Translation guide
How to express that something is very obvious, easy to understand, or unmistakable in Japanese.
Saying that a fact, situation, or meaning is so clear that there is no doubt about it.
A common and neutral way to say something is obvious or clear. Works in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼が嘘をついているのは明らかだ。
It's clear as day that he's lying.
Literally 'one glance and it's clear.' Emphasizes that something is obvious at a single look. Slightly more emphatic than 明らかだ.
その違いは一目瞭然だ。
The difference is clear as day.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'clearer than seeing fire.' Stronger and more literary, but still used in conversation for emphasis.
彼が犯人だということは火を見るより明らかだ。
It's clear as day that he's the culprit.
Formal and often used in written or official contexts. Means 'obvious' or 'evident.'
彼の無実は明白だ。
His innocence is clear as day.
Describing something that is visually or conceptually very easy to perceive or comprehend.
Means 'clear' or 'distinct.' Used for both visual clarity and conceptual clarity. Very common in daily speech.
説明がはっきりしていてわかりやすい。
The explanation is clear as day and easy to understand.
Used for visual clarity, like a sharp outline or vivid image. 'Clear as day' in the sense of being clearly visible.
明らか (あきらか) is the most common and neutral word for 'obvious.' 明白 (めいはく) is more formal and often used in legal, academic, or official statements. In casual conversation, 明らか is preferred.
彼の成功は明らかだ。
His success is obvious.
証拠は明白である。
The evidence is clear.
The English idiom 'clear as day' does not have a direct word-for-word equivalent in Japanese. Avoid literal translations like 日のように明らか. Use the natural expressions listed above instead.
山の稜線がくっきり見える。
The mountain ridge is clear as day.
Idiomatic: 'understand as if taking it in one's hand.' Means to understand something perfectly clearly, often used for abstract things like someone's feelings or a situation.
彼の気持ちが手に取るようにわかる。
I can understand his feelings clear as day.