Translation guide
How to express that something is easy to understand, unambiguous, or transparent in Japanese.
The most common meaning: something is clear, easy to follow, or comprehensible.
The standard adjective for 'easy to understand'. Used for explanations, instructions, speech, etc.
この説明はとてもわかりやすいです。
This explanation is very clear.
Means 'clear and lucid', often used for logical clarity in writing or speech. Slightly formal.
彼の説明は明快だった。
His explanation was clear.
Means 'clear and definite', often used for criteria, definitions, or distinctions. More about precision than ease of understanding.
ルールを明確にしてください。
Please make the rules clear.
Means 'is clear/distinct'. Often used for sounds, images, or when something is unambiguous.
彼の声ははっきりしている。
His voice is clear.
Physically clear, like water, glass, or sky.
The standard adjective for 'transparent' or 'clear' (liquid, glass, etc.).
この水は透明でとてもきれいだ。
This water is clear and very beautiful.
Describes clear, pure water or air, often with a sense of stillness or purity. Also used for clear sounds or eyes.
澄んだ空気が気持ちいい。
The clear air feels good.
Something is clear in the sense of being obvious or self-evident.
Means 'it is clear/obvious'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼が嘘をついているのは明らかだ。
It's clear that he is lying.
Also used for 'it is clear/obvious' in everyday speech.
彼が間違っているのははっきりしている。
It's clear that he is wrong.
To explain or make something understandable.
The most direct translation for 'make clear' or 'clarify'. Used for rules, intentions, positions, etc.
自分の立場を明確にしてください。
Please make your position clear.
Casual way to say 'make it clear' or 'clarify'. Often used in conversation.
彼に本当のことをはっきりさせてほしい。
I want him to make the truth clear.
Describing weather conditions without clouds or fog.
The standard word for 'clear' weather (sunny, not cloudy).
今日は晴れた空が広がっている。
Today the sky is clear.
Means 'perfectly clear weather', often used in weather forecasts.
明日は快晴でしょう。
Tomorrow will be clear.
わかりやすい is the most common and versatile for 'easy to understand'. 明確 emphasizes precision and lack of ambiguity, often used for rules or definitions. 明快 implies logical clarity and lucidity, more formal and often used for explanations or arguments.
このマニュアルはわかりやすい。
This manual is easy to understand.
契約条件を明確にしてください。
Please clarify the contract terms.
彼の講演は明快で説得力があった。
His lecture was clear and persuasive.
The loanword クリア is used mainly for clearing a stage in a game, clearing a hurdle, or clearing one's schedule. It is not used to mean 'easy to understand' or 'transparent'.
ゲームをクリアした。
I cleared the game.