Translation guide
How to express 'make clear' in Japanese, depending on whether you mean clarifying a statement, making a distinction obvious, or emphasizing a point.
To make a statement, meaning, or situation easier to understand; to remove confusion.
The most direct and common translation for 'make clear' in the sense of clarifying a point, position, or fact. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は自分の立場を明確にした。
He made his position clear.
To make something very clear by stressing it, often to avoid misunderstanding.
Means 'to emphasize'. Used when you want to make a point clear by stressing its importance.
彼は安全の重要性を強調した。
He made clear the importance of safety.
To clearly show the difference between two things or to define a limit.
Specifically for making a distinction clear. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
両者の区別を明確にしなければならない。
We must make the distinction between the two clear.
Both mean 'to make clear', but 明確にする is more formal and often used for abstract concepts like positions or rules. はっきりさせる is more colloquial and used for making vague things distinct, like opinions or images.
方針を明確にする。
Clarify the policy.
気持ちをはっきりさせる。
Make one's feelings clear.
Do not translate 'make' literally as 作る (つくる). 'Make clear' is not 明確を作る. Use the phrases above instead.
Please make the rules clear.
Very common in everyday conversation. Implies making something clear, distinct, or unambiguous. Often used for personal opinions or vague situations.
彼の意見をはっきりさせてほしい。
I want him to make his opinion clear.
その点をはっきりさせましょう。
Let's make that point clear.
Often used for revealing or bringing something to light, such as facts or truths. Slightly more formal than はっきりさせる.
真実を明らかにする必要がある。
We need to make the truth clear.
Loanword from English 'clear'. Used in casual or business contexts, often for making conditions or criteria clear. Can sound slightly informal.
条件をクリアにしてください。
Please make the conditions clear.
Literally 'to press a point'. Used when you make something clear by repeating or confirming to ensure understanding.
彼に念を押して、締め切りを明確にした。
I made the deadline clear by reminding him firmly.
Literally 'to draw a line'. Used when you want to make a clear boundary or limit, often in rules or relationships.
公私の線引きをはっきりさせるべきだ。
You should make a clear distinction between public and private matters.