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.
clarity (visual)
clarity (of explanation)
clarity (easy to understand)
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.
This water is very clear.
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.
明確 (meikaku) emphasizes precision and lack of ambiguity. 明快 (meikai) emphasizes lucidity and logical flow. 分かりやすい (wakariyasui) is the most colloquial and simply means 'easy to understand'.
clear instructions (precise)
I need clarity on this issue.
Formal request for clarification
transparent glass
鮮明な画像
a clear/sharp image
The memory is vivid.
音がクリアだ。
The sound is clear.
a clear screen
澄んだ声
a clear voice
Means clear, definite, or explicit. Used for statements, rules, intentions, etc.
a clear explanation
His intention is clear.
Means clear and lucid, often used for explanations, logic, or writing that is easy to follow.
a clear answer
His lecture is clear.
Literally 'easy to understand'. Very common in everyday speech for anything clear and understandable.
This book is easy to understand.
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).
Please say it clearly.
I can hear his voice clearly.
Means clear, distinct, or articulate. More formal, often used for speech or pronunciation.
clear pronunciation
Used with hearing verbs to mean clearly audible.
I can't hear the radio clearly.
Common for audio quality, as in 'clear sound'.
This speaker has clear sound.
He has a clear vision.
Means 'the purpose is clear'. A natural phrase.
She has a clear purpose.
明快な理論
a lucid theory
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.
水の透明さに驚いた。
The clarity of the water was amazing.
She spoke with clarity.