Translation guide
The English word 'clearance' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: permission/authorization, physical space/gap, removal/clearing, and financial/sales contexts.
Official approval, security clearance, or permission to proceed.
General term for permission or approval. Used in many contexts, from formal to everyday.
You need entry clearance.
上司の許可をもらいました。
I got clearance from my boss.
Formal official approval, often from a government or regulatory body.
新薬の認可が下りた。
The new drug received clearance.
Loanword used in specific contexts like security clearance or medical clearance. Not as common as native terms.
セキュリティクリアランスが必要です。
You need security clearance.
The distance between two objects, especially to avoid collision or for passage.
A gap or space between things. Commonly used for physical clearance.
車と壁の隙間は十分ですか？
Is there enough clearance between the car and the wall?
Interval or spacing; often used for planned distances.
The act of removing obstacles, unwanted items, or people from an area.
Removal of objects or structures. Often used for clearing debris or obstacles.
がれきの撤去が進んでいます。
Clearance of debris is underway.
Elimination or removal, often of unwanted substances or abstract things.
雪の除去作業を行った。
We carried out snow clearance work.
Sweeping away or clearing out completely, often used for large-scale clearance.
The process of completing a financial transaction, or selling off goods at reduced prices.
Settlement of payment, especially in banking or online transactions.
クレジットカードの決済が完了しました。
The credit card clearance is complete.
A clearance sale to clear out inventory. The phrase literally means 'stock sweep sale'.
来週、在庫一掃セールを開催します。
We're having a clearance sale next week.
The English word 'clearance' covers many unrelated concepts. Always identify the specific meaning before choosing a Japanese equivalent. Using クリアランス for everything will sound unnatural.
橋の下の間隔は5メートルです。
The clearance under the bridge is 5 meters.
Technical term for clearance in engineering or mechanics.
ピストンとシリンダーのクリアランスを測定する。
Measure the clearance between the piston and cylinder.
スラム街の一掃が計画されている。
Clearance of the slum area is planned.
Direct loanword for clearance sale, used in retail.
あの店でクリアランスセールをやっている。
That store is having a clearance sale.