Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "晴れ", "明確な", "明確", "歴然"
All represent the core concept "clear", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
晴れ
はれ (hare)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
明確な
めいかくな (meikaku na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
明確
めいかく (meikaku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "clear" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "晴れ", "明確な", "明確", "歴然" 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.
- 明確な (めいかくな (meikaku na) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, precise, definite" and is used when 形容動詞.
- 明確 (めいかく (meikaku) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, precise, definite" and is used when 物事がはっきりしていて、あいまいさがない状態を表します。「明確にする」や「明確な目標」のように使われます。.
- 歴然 (れきぜん (rekizen) - Level: N2): Maps to "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)" and is used when 物事の状態や事実が非常に明白で、誰の目にもはっきりしているさまを表す。疑いの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 "明確な"
彼の指示はいつも明確なので、迷うことがない。
His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.
Context for "明確"
彼の説明はとても明確で分かりやすかった。
His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.
Context for "歴然"
両者の実力差は歴然としていた。
The difference in skill between the two was obvious.
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.".