Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "晴れ", "明らかな", "はっきりした", "明白"
All represent the core concept "clear", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
晴れ
はれ (hare)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
明らかな
あきらかな (akiraka na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
はっきりした
はっきりした (hakkirishita)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
明白
めいはく (meihaku)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "clear" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "晴れ", "明らかな", "はっきりした", "明白" based on context.
- 晴れ (はれ (hare) - Level: N5): Maps to "clear weather, fine weather" and is used when Refers to a state of clear sky without clouds or rain. Often used as 晴れの日.
- 明らかな (あきらかな (akiraka na) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, obvious, evident" and is used when Used to describe something that is easy to see, understand, or prove..
- はっきりした (はっきりした (hakkirishita) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, distinct, definite" and is used when Often used to describe something that is easy to understand, well-defined, or stated clearly. Can also be used for feelings or thoughts..
- 明白 (めいはく (meihaku) - Level: N2): Maps to "clear, obvious, plain, evident" and is used when 物事や事実がはっきりと明らかで、疑う余地がないこと。誰が見ても疑う余地がないほど明らか。.
Context for "晴れ"
明日は晴れの予報です。
The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.
Context for "明らかな"
彼の言葉には明らかな嘘があった。
There was a clear lie in his words.
Context for "はっきりした"
彼の説明はとてもはっきりしていたので、よく理解できました。
His explanation was very clear, so I understood it well.
Context for "明白"
彼の無罪は明白だった。
His innocence was evident.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日は ＿＿＿ の予報です。" (Meaning: "The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "晴れ" is correct here because it represents "clear weather, fine weather" in the context: "The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.".