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.
This explanation is very clear.
Means 'clear and lucid', often used for logical clarity in writing or speech. Slightly formal.
His explanation was clear.
Means 'clear and definite', often used for criteria, definitions, or distinctions. More about precision than ease of understanding.
Please make the rules clear.
Means 'is clear/distinct'. Often used for sounds, images, or when something is unambiguous.
His voice is clear.
Physically clear, like water, glass, or sky.
Something is clear in the sense of being obvious or self-evident.
Means 'it is clear/obvious'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
It's clear that he is lying.
Also used for 'it is clear/obvious' in everyday speech.
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.
Please make your position clear.
Casual way to say 'make it clear' or 'clarify'. Often used in conversation.
I want him to make the truth clear.
Describing weather conditions without clouds or fog.
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.
This manual is easy to understand.
Please clarify the contract terms.
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'.
I cleared the game.
明日は快晴でしょう。
Tomorrow will be clear.