Translation guide
The English word "lucid" has two main meanings: clear and easy to understand, and mentally clear or aware. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
Describing speech, writing, explanations, or thinking that is clear, logical, and easy to follow.
a lucid explanation · lucid prose · a lucid presentation
The most direct equivalent for "lucid" in the sense of clear and easy to understand. Often used for explanations, writing, or speech.
His explanation was very lucid.
Writing lucid prose is difficult.
Similar to 明快 but often implies sharpness and clarity of thought. Slightly more formal or literary.
He has a lucid mind.
Everyday phrase meaning "easy to understand." More common in spoken Japanese than 明快.
This book is very lucid.
Please explain more lucidly.
Means clear and distinct, often used for speech, pronunciation, or visual clarity. Can also mean lucid in the sense of unambiguous.
His voice was lucid and easy to understand.
Means concise and to the point. Can imply lucidity through brevity. Often used for explanations or summaries.
Your lucid explanation was helpful.
Describing a state of mind that is clear, rational, and free from confusion, often used in medical or psychological contexts.
a lucid moment · remain lucid · lucid interval
Standard phrase for being lucid in the sense of conscious and clear-headed. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
The patient is lucid.
He remained lucid until the end.
Means "to be sane" or "in one's right mind." Can be used for lucid intervals in mental illness or dementia.
He is still lucid.
Literary word meaning clear and bright; can describe a lucid mind or clear weather. Rare in everyday speech.
明快 (meikai) is the most common for "lucid" in the sense of clear and easy to understand. 明晰 (meiseki) emphasizes sharpness of intellect and is more formal. 明瞭 (meiryou) focuses on distinctness and clarity, often for speech or visuals.
When describing a person's mental state, do not use 明快 or 明晰. Use phrases like 意識がはっきりしている or 正気である instead.
清明な精神
a lucid spirit