明確な
meikakuna
The English phrase "clear" (free of ambiguity or doubt) is translated into Japanese as 明確な (meikakuna).
明確な is used to describe things that are clear in an abstract sense, such as a clear answer, explanation or concept. For related meanings, if you wish to say something is becoming clear or being freed from obstructions, you might use the verbs 晴れる or 透明になる.
Meaning: free of ambiguity or doubt (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 明確な is used for abstract concepts like logic or criteria, the phrase はっきりした is more common for sensory clarity, such as a clear sound or a clear distinction.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
明確な functions as a na-adjective. To use it as a predicate meaning "is clear", you change it to 明確だ. To use it as an adverb meaning "clearly", you replace the final "na" with "ni" to form 明確に. Other related adverbs include はっきり, meaning "clearly or distinctly" and はっきりと, which is used to describe something that is clear or defined.
How do you pronounce it?
meikakuna
Did you know?
- In Japanese business culture, saying 明確な too often when requesting a clear answer can be perceived as overly aggressive or demanding.
- To describe a 'clear' voice, Japanese speakers often use 通る, which literally means 'to pass through', suggesting the voice travels without obstruction.
- The kanji 明 in 明確な consists of the radicals for 'sun' and 'moon', symbolizing a light that leaves nothing hidden.
Examples in context
- 内政干渉の明確な基準はどこですか？Where's the line where it becomes a clear case of interference in the domestic affairs of another country?This sentence is useful for asking about the specific criteria for a case of interference in domestic affairs using 明確な.Tatoeba #11013867 by KK_kaku_, translation #11740121 by pip
- 彼の説明は明確だHis explanation is clear
- 彼女の話し方ははっきりしているHer way of speaking is clear
- 明確な目標を設定することは成功の鍵です。Setting clear goals is the key to success.
- 彼の説明はすごくクリアだったよ。His explanation was really clear.
- 彼の説明は非常に明確なものだった。Kare no setsumei wa hijō ni meikaku na mono datta.His explanation was very clear.
- もっと明確な回答が必要です。Motto meikaku na kaitō ga hitsuyō desu.A more clear answer is necessary.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing a project at work.
- 陽太 Yotaこの資料の説明が不十分だと思う。kono shiryou no setsumei ga fujuubun da to omou.I think the explanation in these documents is insufficient.
- 結衣 Yui確かに、もっと明確な指示が必要ですね。tashika ni, motto meikaku na shiji ga hitsuyou desu ne.True, we need clearer instructions.
- 陽太 Yota部長に確認してみるよ。buchou ni kakunin shite miru yo.I'll check with the manager.
- 結衣 Yuiよろしくお願いします、陽太さん。yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Yota-san.Thank you, Yota.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
