Translation guide
The concept of clarity in Japanese is expressed through words for clearness, transparency, and understandability, depending on whether you mean visual clarity, clarity of sound, or clarity of thought/expression.
Describing something visually clear, transparent, or sharp, like water, glass, or an image.
Means transparent or clear, often used for liquids, glass, or air. Can also be used metaphorically for honesty or openness.
この水はとても透明だ。
This water is very clear.
透明なガラス
transparent glass
Means vivid, clear, or sharp, often used for images, colors, or memories.
Loanword from English, used for clear sound, image, or conditions. Common in tech and everyday speech.
Means clear and pure, often used for water, air, or sound. Has a poetic nuance.
Describing ideas, explanations, or communication that is clear and easy to understand.
Describing sound that is clear, not muffled or distorted.
Expressing that someone has a clear sense of purpose or vision.
A common phrase meaning 'clear vision' in a business or personal context.
彼は明確なビジョンを持っている。
He has a clear vision.
水の透明さに驚いた。
The clarity of the water was amazing.
鮮明な画像
a clear/sharp image
記憶が鮮明だ。
The memory is vivid.
The sound is clear.
クリアな画面
a clear screen
Means clear, definite, or explicit. Used for statements, rules, intentions, etc.
Means clear and lucid, often used for explanations, logic, or writing that is easy to follow.
Literally 'easy to understand'. Very common in everyday speech for anything clear and understandable.
この本は分かりやすい。
This book is easy to understand.
もっと分かりやすく説明してください。
Please explain more clearly.
Adverb meaning clearly, distinctly, or plainly. Used with verbs like 言う (say), 見える (see), 分かる (understand).
はっきり言ってください。
Please say it clearly.
彼の声がはっきり聞こえる。
I can hear his voice clearly.
Means clear, distinct, or articulate. More formal, often used for speech or pronunciation.
明瞭な発音
clear pronunciation
Used with hearing verbs to mean clearly audible.
ラジオの音がはっきり聞こえない。
I can't hear the radio clearly.
Common for audio quality, as in 'clear sound'.
このスピーカーは音がクリアだ。
This speaker has clear sound.
Means 'the purpose is clear'. A natural phrase.
彼女は目的がはっきりしている。
She has a clear purpose.
分かりやすい言葉
easy-to-understand language
The loanword クリア (kuria) is mainly for visual/audio clarity or clearing a condition (like a game level). It is not used to mean 'clear' in the sense of 'understandable'. Use 明確 or 分かりやすい instead.
She spoke with clarity.