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はっきりした

B1 adjective 9 min de lecture

はっきりした

hakkiri shita

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces はっきりした en 30 secondes

Explication はっきりした in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'hakkiri' as 'clearly.' You mostly use it to talk about things you can see or hear right now. For example, if a teacher is speaking too quietly, you might wish they spoke more 'hakkiri.' Or if you see a big, bright picture, you can say it is 'hakkiri' (clear). At this level, don't worry too much about the 'shita' grammar; just remember that 'hakkiri' helps you describe things that are not blurry or quiet. It is a very useful word for asking people to repeat themselves or for describing simple objects. You might see it in simple weather reports like 'hakkiri shita hare' (a clear sunny day). The most important thing for A1 learners is to recognize the sound of the word and associate it with the English word 'clear.'

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At the A2 level, you start using 'hakkiri shita' to modify nouns. You can describe a 'hakkiri shita iro' (clear/vivid color) or a 'hakkiri shita koe' (clear voice). You are also learning that Japanese people value clear communication in specific settings. You might use this word when you are talking about your plans—if your plans are 'hakkiri shita,' it means you have decided exactly what to do. You can also use it to describe photos you took on your phone. If the photo is good and not shaky, it is 'hakkiri shita shashin.' You are beginning to see how this word moves from physical things (like pictures) to mental things (like plans). It is a great word to use when you want to show that you understand something perfectly.

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At the B1 level, 'hakkiri shita' becomes a tool for expressing certainty and making distinctions. You will use it to describe 'hakkiri shita chigai' (clear differences) between two ideas or 'hakkiri shita riyuu' (clear reasons) for your actions. This is the level where you need to be careful with the grammar: remember that 'hakkiri shita' is the adjective form. You will also encounter it in more social contexts, such as describing someone's personality. A 'hakkiri shita hito' is someone who is direct and honest. You should also be able to distinguish 'hakkiri' from its synonyms like 'kukkiri' (visual sharpness) or 'meikaku' (formal clarity). This word helps you move beyond basic descriptions into more nuanced discussions about facts and opinions.

At the B2 level, you use 'hakkiri shita' in professional and academic contexts. You might describe a 'hakkiri shita ketsuron' (clear conclusion) in a business meeting or a 'hakkiri shita shouko' (clear evidence) in an essay. You understand that while 'hakkiri' is common, using it might sometimes sound too direct or blunt in Japanese society, so you learn to balance it with polite language. You also start to use it with abstract nouns like 'ishiki' (consciousness) or 'kioku' (memory). For example, 'hakkiri shita kioku ga nai' means you don't have a clear memory of an event. At this level, you are expected to use the word naturally in both spoken and written Japanese, recognizing when it is appropriate to use it versus more formal alternatives like 'meikaku' or 'meiryou.'

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At the C1 level, you have a masterly grasp of the nuances of 'hakkiri shita.' You can use it to describe subtle shifts in atmosphere, such as 'hakkiri shita kisetsu no kawari-me' (a clear turning point in the seasons). You understand its rhetorical power—how using 'hakkiri shita' can add emphasis and authority to a statement. You are also aware of its cultural implications: in a society that often prefers 'aimai' (ambiguity), choosing to be 'hakkiri' is a deliberate communicative strategy. You can use it in complex sentences to describe the 'hakkiri shita taido' (clear attitude) of a politician or the 'hakkiri shita koutai' (clear decline) of an economic trend. You no longer just know the meaning; you know the weight the word carries in different registers of Japanese.

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At the C2 level, 'hakkiri shita' is just one of many tools in your sophisticated vocabulary. You use it with precision, often contrasting it with its more literary or technical synonyms to achieve a specific effect. You can analyze literature or media and discuss why an author chose 'hakkiri shita' over 'meikaku' or 'senmei.' You understand its use in idiomatic expressions and can use it to describe complex psychological states or philosophical distinctions. Whether you are giving a keynote speech or writing a high-level report, you use 'hakkiri shita' to provide clarity and structure to your thoughts. You have reached a point where the word feels as natural to you as 'clear' or 'distinct' does in English, and you use it with the same level of nuance and cultural awareness as a native speaker.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

はっきりした en 30 secondes

Means 'clear,' 'distinct,' or 'definite' in Japanese.
Used to describe visual, auditory, or mental clarity.
Functions as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., clear reason).
Essential for expressing certainty and avoiding ambiguity.

The Japanese word はっきりした (hakkiri shita) is a versatile adjective that translates most commonly to 'clear,' 'distinct,' or 'definite' in English. It is derived from the adverb hakkiri combined with the past-tense form of the verb suru (to do), which functions here as an attributive adjective to describe a state that has become or is inherently well-defined. This word is foundational for intermediate learners because it bridges the gap between simple physical descriptions and more abstract concepts of certainty and communication.

Visual Clarity: When describing the physical world, it refers to things that are easy to see because they have sharp outlines or high contrast. For example, a mountain on a sunny day or a high-resolution photograph.
Auditory Clarity: It describes sounds or speech that are easily heard and understood, free from mumbling or background noise. It is often used to praise a speaker's articulation.
Mental and Abstract Clarity: This refers to memories, reasons, differences, or intentions that are unambiguous. When a situation is no longer confusing, we say it has become hakkiri shita.

今日は富士山がはっきりした形で見えます。
(Kyou wa Fujisan ga hakkiri shita katachi de miemasu.)
Today, Mount Fuji can be seen in a clear shape.

In social contexts, the word carries a nuance of decisiveness. In Japanese culture, where directness is sometimes avoided to maintain harmony (wa), using hakkiri shita can indicate a refreshing honesty or, conversely, a slightly aggressive bluntness. If someone has a 'hakkiri shita' personality, they are seen as straightforward and honest, someone who doesn't beat around the bush. This is a highly valued trait in professional settings where efficiency is required, but might be softened in delicate social situations.

彼は自分の意見をはっきりした口調で言った。
(Kare wa jibun no iken o hakkiri shita kuchou de itta.)
He stated his opinion in a clear tone of voice.

Furthermore, hakkiri shita is frequently used when comparing two things. If there is a 'hakkiri shita chigai' (clear difference), it means the distinction is obvious and not subject to debate. This makes the word essential for academic writing, business reporting, and daily arguments where evidence and logic are presented. It signifies the end of doubt and the beginning of certainty.

二つのプランにははっきりした違いがあります。
(Futatsu no puran ni wa hakkiri shita chigai ga arimasu.)
There is a clear difference between the two plans.

Using はっきりした correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective. In Japanese, many adjectives are formed by taking a state-describing adverb and adding shita. This specific form is almost always used directly before a noun to describe a characteristic of that noun. If you want to say something 'is clear' as a predicate at the end of a sentence, you would more commonly use hakkiri shite iru or simply the adverb hakkiri with a verb like mieru (to be visible).

Modifying Nouns: The most common pattern is [Adjective] + [Noun].
Example: はっきりした理由 (A clear reason).
Example: はっきりした色 (A vivid/clear color).
Describing Results: When a situation that was once vague becomes clear, we use it as a verb phrase.
Example: 原因がはっきりした。(The cause has become clear.)

彼ははっきりした証拠を見せた。
(Kare wa hakkiri shita shouko o miseta.)
He showed clear evidence.

In terms of formality, hakkiri shita is neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in daily conversation, but it also appears frequently in newspapers and business documents. However, in extremely formal academic contexts, you might see synonyms like meikaku-na (precise/clear) or ken-o-na (conspicuous). When using it to describe people, be careful: hakkiri shita hito can be a compliment for someone who is decisive, but it can also imply someone who is a bit too loud or opinionated depending on the speaker's tone.

彼女ははっきりした性格をしています。
(Kanojo wa hakkiri shita seikaku o shite imasu.)
She has a straightforward/clear-cut personality.

When describing physical sensations, it often pairs with nouns related to the five senses. For vision, it is katachi (shape) or iro (color). For hearing, it is koe (voice) or oto (sound). For the mind, it is kioku (memory) or ishiki (consciousness). Using hakkiri shita in these contexts suggests that the stimulus is strong and unmistakable, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.

事故の時のことは、はっきりした記憶がありません。
(Jiko no toki no koto wa, hakkiri shita kioku ga arimasen.)
I don't have a clear memory of the time of the accident.

You will encounter はっきりした in a wide variety of real-world scenarios in Japan. From the morning weather forecast to high-stakes corporate meetings, this word is a staple of effective communication. Its primary function is to eliminate ambiguity, which is a constant goal in technical and professional Japanese communication.

Weather Forecasts: Meteorologists use it to describe the sky or the changing of seasons. 'Hakkiri shita aki no kehai' (A clear sign of autumn) is a common phrase when the weather suddenly turns crisp.
Medical Settings: Doctors use it to discuss symptoms or test results. If a scan shows a 'hakkiri shita kage' (a clear shadow), it means the diagnostic evidence is unmistakable.
Job Interviews: Interviewers look for candidates with 'hakkiri shita mokuhyou' (clear goals). Being able to articulate your career path 'hakkiri' is a key metric for success.

ようやくはっきりした結論が出ました。
(Youyaku hakkiri shita ketsuron ga demashita.)
Finally, a clear conclusion has been reached.

In the world of retail and design, you might hear this word used to describe patterns or colors. A 'hakkiri shita moyou' (clear pattern) refers to a design that isn't blurry or subtle, like bold stripes or high-contrast polka dots. In photography or videography, a 'hakkiri shita eizou' (clear image) is the goal of high-definition equipment. It implies a lack of 'noise' or 'blur' (boke).

このカメラははっきりした写真が撮れます。
(Kono kamera wa hakkiri shita shashin ga toremasu.)
This camera can take clear photos.

In interpersonal relationships, friends might use it when discussing someone's romantic intentions. 'Hakkiri shita henji' (a clear answer) is what someone seeks after a confession of love (kokuhaku). Without a 'hakkiri shita' response, one is left in the 'grey zone' of uncertainty, which is often a source of stress in Japanese dating culture.

彼からはっきりした返事をもらいました。
(Kare kara hakkiri shita henji o moraimashita.)
I received a clear answer from him.

While はっきりした is a common word, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'clear' into Japanese. The most frequent mistake is using hakkiri when they actually mean 'transparent' or 'clean.' Japanese has distinct words for different types of 'clarity' that English groups together.

Confusion with 透明 (Toumei): If you want to say 'clear water' or 'a clear glass,' do NOT use hakkiri shita. Use toumei-na. Hakkiri shita refers to how well you can see the object's boundaries, not whether light passes through it.
Confusion with きれい (Kirei): If you mean 'clear' as in 'clean' or 'beautiful' (like a clear sky without pollution), kirei-na is often better. Hakkiri shita sora would imply that the blue is very vivid or the stars are very sharp, whereas kirei-na sora focuses on the beauty.
Overuse in Formal Writing: In high-level academic papers, hakkiri shita can sound slightly colloquial. Use meikaku-na (explicit) or meiryou-na (lucid) instead to sound more professional.

Incorrect: はっきりした水 (Hakkiri shita mizu)
Correct: 透明な水 (Toumei na mizu)
Reason: Water is transparent, not 'distinct.'

Another mistake involves the grammar of the word itself. Many learners forget the shita and try to use hakkiri as a na-adjective (e.g., *hakkiri na riyuu). This is grammatically incorrect. You must use either the adverbial form hakkiri with a verb or the shita form to modify a noun. Also, be careful not to confuse hakkiri with shikkari. While they sound similar, shikkari means 'firmly' or 'properly' (e.g., studying hard), while hakkiri means 'clearly.'

Incorrect: はっきりな答え (Hakkiri na kotae)
Correct: はっきりした答え (Hakkiri shita kotae)
Reason: Hakkiri is an adverb, it needs 'shita' to modify a noun.

Japanese is rich with words that describe clarity, each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise. はっきりした is the 'all-rounder,' but here are its specialized cousins.

くっきりした (Kukkiri shita): Very similar to hakkiri, but emphasizes sharp outlines against a background. Use this for a rainbow in the sky or a silhouette. It is more visual than hakkiri.
明確な (Meikaku na): Formal and logical. Used for policies, goals, and definitions. It suggests precision and the lack of any ambiguity (meikaku = 'bright and certain').
鮮やかな (Azayaka na): Focuses on vividness, especially of color or skill. A 'clear' memory that is full of color and life would be azayaka.
明白な (Meihaku na): Means 'obvious' or 'evident.' Use this when something is so clear that it's undeniable, like a 'meihaku na machigai' (an obvious mistake).

空にくっきりした虹が出た。
(Sora ni kukkiri shita niji ga deta.)
A sharp, distinct rainbow appeared in the sky.

When deciding between hakkiri and meikaku, think about the setting. If you are talking to a friend about your plans, use hakkiri. If you are writing a business contract, use meikaku. If you are describing a beautiful sunset, use azayaka. If you are pointing out a glaring error in someone's logic, use meihaku. Understanding these nuances is what separates a B1 learner from a C1 master.

この問題には明確な答えがありません。
(Kono mondai ni wa meikaku na kotae ga arimasen.)
There is no clear/precise answer to this problem.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'tsu' (small tsu) in 'hakkiri' was originally a way to mimic the sound of something snapping or being distinct. Many Japanese words for clarity or suddenness use this double-consonant structure.

Guide de prononciation

UK hak-ki-ri shi-ta

US hak-ki-ri shi-ta

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent on 'hakkiri', with a slight drop after 'shi'.

Rime avec

Bakkiri Sukkiri Chikkiri Pukkiri Makkiri Yukkiri Dokkiri Takkiri

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'hakiri' without the pause.
Stressing the 'ri' too much.
Confusing the 'shita' with 'shite'.
Mixing up with 'shikkari'.
Nasalizing the 'h' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Written in hiragana usually, so it's very easy to read.

Écriture 2/5

Simple hiragana, but remember the small 'tsu'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct pitch and the double consonant pause.

Écoute 3/5

Need to distinguish from 'shikkari' or 'sukkiri'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

するきれい見える分かる声

Apprends ensuite

明確明白くっきり曖昧具体的

Avancé

明瞭判然瞭然如実顕著

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective formation with ~shita

はっきりした、がっかりした、すっきりした

Adverbial use of hakkiri

はっきり話す (Speak clearly)

Predicate use with ~shite iru

答えがはっきりしている (The answer is clear)

Noun modification

はっきりした理由 (Clear reason)

Resultative state with ~shita

原因がはっきりした (The cause became clear)

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Exemples par niveau

はっきりした声で話してください。

Please speak in a clear voice.

Modifying the noun 'koe' (voice).

この写真ははっきりしています。

This photo is clear.

Using 'shite imasu' as a predicate.

はっきりした色が好きです。

I like clear (vivid) colors.

Modifying 'iro' (color).

山がはっきり見えます。

The mountain can be seen clearly.

Using 'hakkiri' as an adverb with 'mieru'.

はっきりした答えをください。

Please give me a clear answer.

Modifying 'kotae' (answer).

今日ははっきりした天気です。

Today is clear weather.

Modifying 'tenki' (weather).

字をはっきり書いてください。

Please write the characters clearly.

Using 'hakkiri' as an adverb with 'kaku'.

名前がはっきり分かりません。

I don't know the name clearly.

Using 'hakkiri' with 'wakaranai'.

はっきりした予定はまだありません。

I don't have a definite schedule yet.

Modifying 'yotei' (schedule).

彼ははっきりした性格です。

He has a straightforward personality.

Modifying 'seikaku' (personality).

二つの違いがはっきりしました。

The difference between the two became clear.

Using 'shita' as a verb meaning 'became clear'.

はっきりした理由を教えてください。

Please tell me the clear reason.

Modifying 'riyuu' (reason).

このテレビははっきりした映像です。

This TV has a clear image.

Modifying 'eizou' (image).

はっきりした目的を持って勉強します。

I study with a clear purpose.

Modifying 'moku-teki' (purpose).

はっきりした返事がほしいです。

I want a clear reply.

Modifying 'henji' (reply).

道がはっきり分かりました。

The way became clearly known (I found the way).

Using 'hakkiri' with 'wakaru'.

契約の内容をはっきりした形にしましょう。

Let's put the contract details into a clear form.

Modifying 'katachi' (form/shape).

事故の時のことは、はっきりした記憶がありません。

I don't have a clear memory of the accident.

Modifying 'kioku' (memory).

彼ははっきりした口調で反対した。

He opposed it in a clear tone of voice.

Modifying 'kuchou' (tone).

はっきりした証拠がないと信じられません。

I can't believe it without clear evidence.

Modifying 'shouko' (evidence).

この薬にははっきりした効果があります。

This medicine has a clear effect.

Modifying 'kouka' (effect).

将来について、はっきりしたビジョンを持っています。

I have a clear vision for the future.

Modifying 'bijon' (vision).

二人の間にははっきりした温度差がある。

There is a clear difference in enthusiasm between the two.

Modifying 'ondosa' (temperature difference/gap).

はっきりした目的意識を持つことが大切だ。

It is important to have a clear sense of purpose.

Modifying 'moku-teki ishiki' (sense of purpose).

犯人の顔をはっきりした形で覚えています。

I remember the suspect's face in a clear way.

Modifying 'katachi' (form/way).

ようやく調査の結果がはっきりしました。

Finally, the results of the investigation have become clear.

Using 'shita' as a resultative verb.

その政策にははっきりした意図が感じられる。

A clear intention can be felt in that policy.

Modifying 'ito' (intention).

はっきりした根拠に基づいて議論すべきだ。

We should debate based on clear grounds/evidence.

Modifying 'konkyo' (grounds/basis).

彼女の態度にははっきりした拒絶が見られた。

A clear rejection was seen in her attitude.

Modifying 'kyozetsu' (rejection).

この二つの事象にははっきりした因果関係がある。

There is a clear cause-and-effect relationship between these two phenomena.

Modifying 'inga kankei' (causality).

はっきりした輪郭のイラストを描く。

Draw an illustration with clear outlines.

Modifying 'rinkaku' (outlines).

彼ははっきりした自覚を持って行動している。

He is acting with clear self-awareness.

Modifying 'jikaku' (self-awareness).

その発言は、現状に対するはっきりした挑戦だ。

That statement is a clear challenge to the status quo.

Modifying 'chousen' (challenge).

文明の崩壊には、はっきりした予兆があった。

There were clear omens of the civilization's collapse.

Modifying 'yochou' (omen/sign).

はっきりした定義なしに議論を進めるのは危険だ。

It is dangerous to proceed with a discussion without a clear definition.

Modifying 'teigi' (definition).

この文学作品には、作者のはっきりしたメッセージが込められている。

A clear message from the author is embedded in this literary work.

Modifying 'messenji' (message).

市場にははっきりした回復の兆しが見え始めている。

Clear signs of recovery are beginning to appear in the market.

Modifying 'kizashi' (sign/indication).

彼ははっきりした足跡を歴史に残した。

He left a clear footprint (mark) on history.

Modifying 'ashiato' (footprint/legacy).

その理論には、はっきりした論理的飛躍がある。

There is a clear logical leap in that theory.

Modifying 'ronri-teki hiyaku' (logical leap).

宗教と政治の間には、はっきりした境界線が必要だ。

A clear boundary line is necessary between religion and politics.

Modifying 'kyoukaisen' (boundary line).

その判決は、司法の独立性を示すはっきりした範例となった。

The ruling became a clear paradigm showing the independence of the judiciary.

Modifying 'hanrei' (paradigm/example).

宇宙の起源に関する、はっきりした学説はまだ確立されていない。

A clear scientific theory regarding the origin of the universe has not yet been established.

Modifying 'gakusetsu' (theory).

言語の壁を越えた、はっきりした共感の瞬間があった。

There was a clear moment of empathy that transcended language barriers.

Modifying 'kyoukan' (empathy).

彼の沈黙は、雄弁な言葉よりもはっきりした拒絶を意味していた。

His silence meant a clearer rejection than eloquent words.

Modifying 'kyozetsu' (rejection).

その建築物には、モダニズムのはっきりした影響が見て取れる。

The clear influence of modernism can be discerned in that building.

Modifying 'eikyou' (influence).

データははっきりした相関関係を示しているが、因果関係は不明だ。

The data shows a clear correlation, but causality remains unknown.

Modifying 'soukan kankei' (correlation).

はっきりした実体を持たない、曖昧な恐怖が彼を襲った。

A vague fear, lacking a clear entity, attacked him.

Modifying 'jittai' (entity/substance).

この条約の締結は、外交史におけるはっきりした転換点である。

The conclusion of this treaty is a clear turning point in diplomatic history.

Modifying 'tenkanten' (turning point).

Collocations courantes

はっきりした理由

はっきりした記憶

はっきりした違い

はっきりした返事

はっきりした形

はっきりした色

はっきりした声

はっきりした目的

はっきりした証拠

はっきりした性格

Phrases Courantes

はっきりしたことは言えない

— I can't say anything for certain.

まだはっきりしたことは言えません。

はっきりした証拠がある

— There is clear evidence.

彼がやったというはっきりした証拠がある。

はっきりしたビジョン

— A clear vision for the future.

会社のはっきりしたビジョンを示した。

はっきりした答えが出ない

— No clear answer is coming out.

いくら考えても、はっきりした答えが出ない。

はっきりした口調

— A clear, decisive tone of voice.

彼女ははっきりした口調で話し始めた。

はっきりした意識

— Clear consciousness.

患者ははっきりした意識がある。

はっきりした境界線

— A clear boundary line.

公私のはっきりした境界線が必要だ。

はっきりした意図

— A clear intention.

彼にははっきりした意図があるようだ。

はっきりした回復

— A clear recovery.

景気のはっきりした回復が見られる。

はっきりした態度

— A clear attitude/stance.

はっきりした態度をとるべきだ。

Souvent confondu avec

はっきりした vs しっかしした

Means 'firm' or 'solid'. Easy to confuse because of the similar sound.

はっきりした vs すっきりした

Means 'refreshed' or 'neat'. Also a mimetic word ending in 'shita'.

はっきりした vs きっかり

Means 'exactly' or 'precisely' regarding time or numbers.

Expressions idiomatiques

"白黒はっきりさせる"

— To make things clear (black and white); to settle a matter.

白黒はっきりさせようじゃないか。

Informal

"はっきり言って"

— To speak plainly; to be honest.

はっきり言って、それは無理です。

Neutral

"口をはっきり開ける"

— To open one's mouth clearly (to articulate).

口をはっきり開けて話しなさい。

Neutral

"目鼻がはっきりしている"

— To have well-defined facial features.

彼女は目鼻がはっきりした美人だ。

Neutral

"はっきりした足跡を残す"

— To leave a clear mark or legacy.

彼は科学界にはっきりした足跡を残した。

Literary

"はっきりしない天気"

— Unsettled weather (neither clear nor rainy).

今日ははっきりしない天気だね。

Informal

"はっきりしない態度"

— A non-committal or vague attitude.

彼のはっきりしない態度にイライラする。

Neutral

"はっきりした明暗"

— Clear light and shadow; clear difference in fortune.

勝負のはっきりした明暗が分かれた。

Literary

"はっきりした筋道"

— A clear path or logical sequence.

はっきりした筋道を立てて説明する。

Formal

"はっきりした輪郭"

— A clear outline/profile.

夕日に富士山のはっきりした輪郭が浮かぶ。

Literary

Facile à confondre

はっきりした vs 透明 (Toumei)

Both mean 'clear' in English.

Toumei is for transparency (glass/water). Hakkiri is for distinctness (outlines/ideas).

透明な水 (Transparent water) vs はっきりした形 (Clear shape).

はっきりした vs きれい (Kirei)

Both can describe a 'clear' sky.

Kirei is beautiful/clean. Hakkiri is vivid/sharp.

きれいな空 (Beautiful sky) vs はっきりした青 (Vivid blue).

はっきりした vs 正確 (Seikaku)

Both relate to things being 'right'.

Seikaku is 'accurate' or 'correct'. Hakkiri is 'clear' to the senses.

正確な時間 (Accurate time) vs はっきりした声 (Clear voice).

はっきりした vs 具体 (Gutai)

Both mean 'clear' in the sense of not being vague.

Gutai is 'concrete' or 'specific'. Hakkiri is 'distinct'.

具体的な案 (A concrete plan) vs はっきりした返事 (A clear reply).

はっきりした vs 明白 (Meihaku)

Both mean 'clear'.

Meihaku is more formal and means 'obvious/undeniable'.

明白な証拠 (Obvious evidence).

Structures de phrases

はっきりした [Noun] です。

はっきりした色です。

[Noun] がはっきりしました。

予定がはっきりしました。

はっきりした [Noun] はありません。

はっきりした記憶はありません。

はっきりした [Noun] を持っています。

はっきりした目的を持っています。

はっきりした [Noun] に基づいて...

はっきりした証拠に基づいて話す。

はっきりした [Noun] が見られる。

はっきりした違いが見られる。

はっきりした [Noun] とは言えない。

はっきりした回復とは言えない。

はっきりした [Noun] を欠いている。

はっきりした実体を欠いている。

Famille de mots

Noms

はっきり (Clarity/Adverbial noun)

Verbes

はっきりする (To become clear)

はっきりさせる (To make clear)

Adjectifs

はっきりした (Clear/Attributive)

Apparenté

明確 (Precision)

明白 (Obviousness)

鮮明 (Vividness)

透明 (Transparency)

公然 (Public/Open)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Japanese.

Erreurs courantes

はっきりな理由 → はっきりした理由
Hakkiri is not a na-adjective. It requires 'shita' to modify a noun.
はっきりした水 → 透明な水
Use 'toumei' for transparent liquids. 'Hakkiri' is for distinctness.
はっきりした勉強 → しっかりした勉強
Use 'shikkari' for doing something properly or hard. 'Hakkiri' is for clarity.
はっきりした空 (meaning clean) → きれいな空
If the sky is beautiful/clean, 'kirei' is better. 'Hakkiri' means visual sharpness.
はっきりした返事 (in very formal letter) → 明確なご回答
In very formal business letters, 'meikaku' is preferred over 'hakkiri'.

Astuces

Attributive Use

Always use 'shita' when 'hakkiri' comes before a noun. Never use 'na' or 'no'.

Articulation

When asking someone to articulate better, 'hakkiri' is the standard word to use.

Directness

Being 'hakkiri' is a personality trait. Some appreciate it, others find it too blunt. Use with caution.

Photography

Use this word to describe photos that are in focus and have good lighting.

Academic Tone

Replace 'hakkiri shita' with 'meikaku-na' in formal essays to sound more professional.

Double Consonants

The small 'tsu' is vital. Without it, the word sounds completely different and might not be understood.

Context Clues

If you see 'hakkiri' near 'sora' (sky), it means high visibility. Near 'henji' (reply), it means a definite yes or no.

Mimetic Power

Japanese has many mimetic words (gitaigo). Learning 'hakkiri' opens the door to words like 'sukkiri' and 'pakkiri'.

Avoid Ambiguity

In modern Japanese business, 'hakkiri' is increasingly used to demand efficiency over traditional vagueness.

HD Contrast

Think of 'hakkiri' as the difference between 480p and 4K resolution.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'HACK' (hak) that is 'REALLY' (ri) clean. When you hack something cleanly, the edge is 'hakkiri' (clear).

Association visuelle

Imagine a high-definition (HD) television screen next to an old, blurry one. The HD screen is 'hakkiri shita'.

Word Web

Clear Visible Audible Definite Sharp Certain Direct Vivid

Défi

Try to find three things in your room that are 'hakkiri shita' (vividly colored or sharp) and three things that are 'bonyari shita' (blurry or vague).

Origine du mot

The word 'hakkiri' is an onomatopoeic or mimetic word (gitaigo) that emerged in the Edo period. It likely evolved from 'hakkiri' meaning 'to snap' or 'to break cleanly,' representing something that is divided without ragged edges.

Sens originel : To be snapped or cut cleanly.

Japonic (Native Japanese / Yamato Kotoba).

Contexte culturel

Avoid demanding a 'hakkiri shita' answer from someone superior to you, as it can sound demanding or rude.

English speakers often value being 'clear' as a sign of honesty and efficiency, which aligns well with the positive use of 'hakkiri'.

The phrase 'Hakkiri shite!' is a common trope in anime when a character wants a clear romantic confession. Weather reports always use 'hakkiri' to describe the changing of seasons. Self-help books in Japan often have titles about 'Hakkiri shita ikikata' (A clear way of living).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather

はっきりした秋晴れ
はっきりしない天気
はっきり見える富士山
はっきりした季節の変化

Business

はっきりした目標
はっきりした返事
はっきりした理由
はっきりした証拠

Personal Life

はっきりした記憶
はっきりした性格
はっきりしたビジョン
はっきりした態度

Art/Design

はっきりした色
はっきりした輪郭
はっきりした模様
はっきりした映像

Medical/Science

はっきりした症状
はっきりした効果
はっきりした意識
はっきりした因果関係

Amorces de conversation

"将来について、はっきりした目標はありますか？ (Do you have clear goals for the future?)"

"この二つの商品の、はっきりした違いは何ですか？ (What is the clear difference between these two products?)"

"子供の頃のことで、はっきりした記憶はありますか？ (Do you have any clear memories from your childhood?)"

"今日は富士山がはっきり見えますね。 (Mount Fuji is clearly visible today, isn't it?)"

"あなたの好きな、はっきりした色は何ですか？ (What is your favorite vivid/clear color?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、自分の中で一番はっきりした決断は何でしたか？ (What was your clearest decision today?)

最近見たもので、はっきりした印象に残っているものは何ですか？ (What is something you saw recently that left a clear impression?)

自分の性格の中で、はっきりしていると思う部分はどこですか？ (What part of your personality do you think is 'hakkiri'?)

十年後の自分について、はっきりしたイメージはありますか？ (Do you have a clear image of yourself in ten years?)

はっきりした理由もなく、悲しくなったり嬉しくなったりしたことはありますか？ (Have you ever felt sad or happy without a clear reason?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'toumei' (透明) for transparency. 'Hakkiri' is for things that are distinct or easy to see/hear.

It is neutral. It's fine for daily use and business, but 'meikaku' (明確) is more formal for writing.

'Kukkiri' is specifically for visual contrast and outlines. 'Hakkiri' is broader, covering sound and ideas too.

No. 'Hakkiri' is an adverb. To modify a noun, you must use 'hakkiri shita'.

Usually, yes, but it can describe a 'clear rejection' or a 'clear mistake,' which are negative things.

Use 'hakkiri' as an adverb: 'Hakkiri hanashite kudasai'.

Yes, 'hakkiri shita hito' is someone who is direct and decisive.

It means a vivid, bright, or high-contrast color.

Yes, to describe clear visibility or a clear change in the season.

The most common antonym is 'bonyari shita' (blurry/vague) or 'aimai na' (ambiguous).

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