Translation guide
The English word 'transparent' can describe physical clarity, honesty, or organizational openness. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing objects or materials that you can see through clearly.
The most common and neutral word for 'transparent'. Used for glass, plastic, water, etc.
This glass is transparent.
Describing a person, action, or process that is frank and without secrets.
Means 'frank' or 'straightforward'. Used for honest communication.
Describing governments, companies, or processes that are open to scrutiny.
While 透明な人 is sometimes used metaphorically in literature, it can sound odd or poetic. For describing a person as honest/open, use 率直な or オープンな instead.
He is a transparent person. (unnatural unless poetic)
I bought a transparent plastic container.
Emphasizes clarity and purity, often used for water, glass, or skin. Slightly more poetic than 透明.
Transparent water is flowing.
Loanword from English, used in casual or technical contexts, often for audio or visual clarity.
These earphones have transparent (clear) sound.
Please give me your transparent (honest) opinion.
Literally 'not hiding things'. Describes a person who is open and transparent.
He is a transparent person (he doesn't hide anything).
Loanword meaning 'open', often used for personalities or communication styles.
She has a very transparent (open) personality.
The noun form meaning 'transparency' in governance or business. Often used with 高い (high) or 確保する (ensure).
We need to increase government transparency.
Literally 'information disclosure'. Refers to transparency through releasing information.
The company is promoting transparency (information disclosure).