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.
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.
患者は意識がはっきりしている。
The patient is lucid.
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.
彼の説明はとても明快だった。
His explanation was very lucid.
明快な文章を書くのは難しい。
Writing lucid prose is difficult.
Similar to 明快 but often implies sharpness and clarity of thought. Slightly more formal or literary.
彼は明晰な頭脳の持ち主だ。
He has a lucid mind.
Everyday phrase meaning "easy to understand." More common in spoken Japanese than 明快.
この本はとても分かりやすい。
This book is very lucid.
もっと分かりやすく説明してください。
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.
彼の声は明瞭で聞き取りやすかった。
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.
端的な説明で助かりました。
Your lucid explanation was helpful.
He remained lucid until the end.