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B2 adjective #3,000 most common 7 min read

明瞭

meiryo Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 明瞭 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 明瞭 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '明瞭' (meiryō) yourself yet. It is a bit too formal and difficult. Instead, you should learn the word 'はっきり' (hakkiri), which means 'clearly.' For example, if you can hear someone well, you say 'Hakkiri kikoemasu.' However, it is good to know that 'meiryō' exists. You might see it on a button on a TV remote or a computer screen setting. In those places, it just means 'Clear' or 'Sharp.' Think of 'mei' as 'bright' like the sun and moon. If something is bright, you can see it easily. At this stage, focus on the first kanji '明' (mei), which you see in 'ashita' (tomorrow) or 'akarui' (bright). Just remember that 'meiryō' is a fancy way to say something is easy to see or hear. You won't use it when talking to your friends, but you might see it in a dictionary or on a professional sign. If you see it, just think: 'Okay, this means clear and easy to understand.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more kanji and formal words. '明瞭' (meiryō) is a word you might encounter in a reading passage about technology or a professional person. It is a 'na-adjective.' This means if you want to describe a noun, you add 'na' (明瞭な). For example, 'meiryō na hatsuon' means 'clear pronunciation.' You might hear a teacher say this to a student. Even though you can still use 'hakkiri' for most things, using 'meiryō' makes you sound more like a serious student. You should start recognizing the second kanji '瞭' (ryō). It has the 'eye' radical on the left. This is a clue that the word is about how things look or how they are perceived. In A2, you should practice identifying 'meiryō' in sentences. If a sentence says 'Koe ga meiryō desu,' it means 'The voice is clear.' It is much more common in writing than in speaking at this level. If you are writing a formal email to a teacher, you might use 'meiryō' to describe their explanation to show respect for their clear teaching style.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable distinguishing between different types of 'clarity.' '明瞭' (meiryō) is used when the physical or logical quality of something is high. For example, if you are listening to a Japanese news broadcast, you will notice the announcers speak very 'meiryō' (articulately). You should also learn the four-character idiom '簡潔明瞭' (kanketsu-meiryō), which means 'concise and clear.' This is a very useful phrase for business and academic contexts. If someone asks you how to write a report, you can say 'Kanketsu-meiryō ni kaite kudasai' (Please write it concisely and clearly). This level is where you start to understand that 'meiryō' is not for weather or water. You wouldn't say 'meiryō na mizu' for clear water; you would use 'tōmei.' You use 'meiryō' for things that carry information, like speech, text, or logic. Practice using 'meiryō ni' as an adverb. 'Meiryō ni kikoeru' (can be heard clearly) is a great phrase to use when talking about audio quality or a speaker's voice in a large room.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '明瞭' (meiryō) correctly in professional and academic settings. You should understand the nuance that 'meiryō' implies an objective clarity. It’s not just that *you* think it’s clear, but that the signal itself is high quality. For instance, in a medical context, 'ishiki meiryō' (clear consciousness) is a standard term. If you are describing a logical argument, 'ronri ga meiryō' (the logic is clear) suggests that the structure is sound and easy for anyone to follow. You should also be able to contrast 'meiryō' with 'meikaku' (definite/specific). While they are often interchangeable, 'meiryō' focuses more on the *perceptibility* (how easy it is to see/hear/grasp), while 'meikaku' focuses on the *lack of doubt* (how certain/specific it is). At B2, you should be able to write an essay using 'meiryō' to describe the clarity of a theory or the distinctness of a social trend. You should also be aware of the 'Meiryo' font, which is a common cultural touchstone for this word's meaning of 'legibility' on digital screens.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '明瞭' (meiryō) and be able to use it in complex, abstract discussions. You might use it to describe the 'meiryō-sa' (clarity) of a philosophical concept or the 'onsei meiryō-do' (speech intelligibility) in a technical paper. At this level, you understand that 'meiryō' can also be used as a noun. You might discuss the 'meiryō-sei' of a legal statute, meaning how easily the law can be understood by the public without misinterpretation. You should also be familiar with more obscure collocations like 'imi-meiryō' (meaning is clear) or 'shouko-meiryō' (evidence is clear). In C1, you use 'meiryō' to add a layer of professional objectivity to your speech. It signals that you are evaluating the quality of the information delivery itself. You might also encounter it in literature to describe a character's sudden, sharp realization or a vivid, distinct memory that stands out from the 'aimai' (vague) past. Your usage should be flawless, never confusing it with 'senmei' (vivid) or 'meihaku' (obvious), choosing 'meiryō' specifically when the focus is on the distinctness of the parts that make up the whole.

At the C2 level, '明瞭' (meiryō) is a tool for precision in high-level discourse. You can use it to dissect the subtle differences between sensory perception and intellectual understanding. For example, you might argue that while a speaker's pronunciation was 'meiryō' (articulate), their underlying message remained 'fumeiryō' (unclear/obscure) due to complex jargon. You are comfortable with the word in all its forms, including its role in compound kanji words used in specialized fields like linguistics, acoustics, or law. You understand the historical weight of the word—how the 'ryō' (瞭) kanji, meaning 'clear-sighted,' contributes to a sense of enlightenment and objective truth. In a C2 context, you might use 'meiryō' to describe the 'lucidity' of a dream or the 'transparency' of a corporate structure (though 'toumei-sei' is more common for the latter, 'meiryō' can describe the clarity of the reporting). You can effortlessly switch between 'meiryō,' 'meikaku,' 'senmei,' and 'meihaku' to provide the exact nuance required for a masterly command of the Japanese language. Your use of 'meiryō' reflects a deep understanding of the Japanese preference for clarity in technical domains as a counter-balance to the inherent ambiguity of the language in social domains.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

明瞭 in 30 Seconds

Meiryō means 'clear' or 'distinct' in a formal, technical, or logical sense.
It is commonly used for speech articulation, image sharpness, and logical clarity.
It is a na-adjective, so it becomes 'meiryō na' before nouns and 'meiryō ni' as an adverb.
Do not use it for clear weather or transparent water; use 'kaisei' or 'tōmei' instead.

The Japanese word 明瞭 (めいりょう - meiryō) is a sophisticated na-adjective and noun that translates to 'clear,' 'distinct,' 'articulate,' or 'lucid.' At its core, it describes something that is perceived by the senses or the mind without any ambiguity, blurring, or confusion. While English often uses the word 'clear' as a catch-all, meiryō is more specific, typically reserved for the quality of sound, the sharpness of an image, the logic of an argument, or the legibility of text. It is a CEFR B2 level word because it moves beyond the basic 'hakkiri' (clearly) into a more formal and precise linguistic register.

Visual Clarity: In technical contexts, such as photography or digital displays, meiryō refers to the sharpness of the image. For example, a high-definition monitor provides an image that is meiryō.

この地図は縮尺が大きいため、道路の名称が非常に明瞭に読み取れる。
(Because this map has a large scale, the road names can be read very clearly.)

Auditory Articulation: When discussing speech, meiryō specifically points to the distinctness of vowels and consonants. A professional announcer is expected to have meiryō na hatsuon (articulate pronunciation).

マイクの調子が良くなり、司会者の声が明瞭に聞こえるようになった。
(The microphone is in better condition now, and the host's voice can be heard clearly.)

Logical Lucidity: In the realm of thought, it describes an argument or explanation that is easy to follow because it lacks logical fallacies or unnecessary complexity. It is often paired with 'kanji' (concise) to form the four-character idiom kanji-meiryō (concise and clear).

彼のプレゼンテーションは論理が明瞭で、誰にでも理解しやすかった。
(His presentation had clear logic and was easy for anyone to understand.)

Historically, the word combines 'mei' (bright/light) and 'ryō' (clear/distinct). The kanji 'ryō' (瞭) contains the 'eye' radical (目), suggesting that the clarity is something that can be seen or perceived by the senses. This distinguishes it from 'meikaku' (明確), which focuses more on being 'definite' or 'unmistakable' in meaning. When you use meiryō, you are emphasizing the high quality of the signal—whether that signal is light, sound, or thought—reaching the observer without distortion.

Using 明瞭 (meiryō) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a na-adjective. It typically modifies nouns using the particle 'na' or functions as an adverbial phrase using 'ni.' It is frequently used in formal settings, such as business reports, academic lectures, and legal documents, where clarity is a functional requirement rather than just a subjective feeling.

Modifying Nouns: Use meiryō na before a noun to describe a specific quality of clarity. Common nouns modified include 'hatsuon' (pronunciation), 'ishiki' (consciousness), and 'shouko' (evidence).

事故の目撃者は、犯人の顔を明瞭な記憶として留めていた。
(The witness of the accident kept a clear memory of the culprit's face.)

Adverbial Usage: Use meiryō ni to describe how an action is performed or perceived. This is common with verbs like 'kikoeru' (to be heard), 'mieru' (to be seen), and 'shimesu' (to indicate/show).

最新の望遠鏡を使えば、遠くの銀河も明瞭に観察することができる。
(Using the latest telescope, even distant galaxies can be observed clearly.)

The 'Concise and Clear' Idiom: The phrase kanji-meiryō (簡潔明瞭) is a staple of Japanese business culture. It is the gold standard for emails, reports, and instructions.

上司は私に、報告書を簡潔明瞭にまとめるよう指示した。
(My boss instructed me to summarize the report in a concise and clear manner.)

In contrast to the more casual 'hakkiri,' meiryō carries an air of authority. If a doctor says your consciousness is meiryō (意識明瞭), it means you are fully alert and oriented. If a judge says the evidence is meiryō, it means it is indisputable and easy to interpret. When using this word, you are signaling that the clarity is not just your opinion, but a demonstrable fact of the situation.

You are unlikely to hear 明瞭 (meiryō) in a casual conversation over coffee, but it is ubiquitous in professional and institutional settings in Japan. Understanding where it appears will help you grasp its 'formal' nuance.

Broadcasting and Media: NHK announcers are the paragons of meiryō na hatsuon. In training for public speaking, the goal is often 'kokoro-yoi meiryō-sa' (pleasant clarity). You might hear it in media reviews: 'The audio on this podcast is exceptionally meiryō.'

アナウンサーの明瞭な語り口が、ニュースの内容をより深く伝えている。
(The announcer's clear manner of speaking conveys the news content more deeply.)

Medical and Emergency Services: In Japanese hospitals, 'ishiki meiryō' (clear consciousness) is a standard medical term used to describe a patient's neurological state. It means the patient is awake, alert, and responsive.

救急隊員が現場に到着したとき、負傷者の意識は明瞭だった。
(When the paramedics arrived at the scene, the injured person's consciousness was clear.)

Information Technology: In UI/UX design and typography discussions, meiryō-sei (clarity/legibility) is a key metric. Engineers discuss 'onsei meiryō-do' (speech intelligibility) when developing communication software or hearing aids.

このシステムの音声合成は、非常に明瞭で自然な響きがする。
(The speech synthesis of this system has a very clear and natural sound.)

Finally, you will find it in legal and academic writing. A 'meiryō na riyuu' (clear reason) is one that is logically sound and difficult to refute. In a culture that often values 'aimai' (ambiguity) to preserve social harmony, the use of meiryō marks a shift into a domain where precision and lack of ambiguity are the priority, such as in science, law, and high-stakes business negotiations.

While 明瞭 (meiryō) is a versatile word, English speakers often misapply it by assuming it is a direct synonym for every instance of 'clear.' Japanese has several words for 'clear,' and using the wrong one can sound unnatural or even confusing.

Mistake 1: Using it for Transparency: If you want to say the water in a lake is clear or a window is clear, do NOT use meiryō. For transparency, use tōmei (透明).

明瞭な水 → 透明な水 (Transparent water)

Mistake 2: Using it for Weather: A 'clear sky' is not meiryō na sora. Instead, use kaisei (快晴) for a cloudless sky or hare (晴れ) for sunny weather.

明瞭な天気 → 快晴 (Perfectly clear weather)

Mistake 3: Over-formality: In a casual setting, saying 'meiryō ni kikoeru' (It is heard with clarity) sounds overly stiff. If you're talking to a friend on the phone and the connection is good, use 'hakkiri kikoeru' (I can hear you clearly).

友達との電話で：はっきり聞こえるよ！
(On the phone with a friend: I can hear you clearly!)

Another subtle mistake is confusing meiryō with meikaku (明確). While they overlap, meikaku is about being 'definite' or 'specific.' If a boss gives you 'clear instructions,' they are meikaku na shiji (specific instructions). If the audio of those instructions is easy to hear, it is meiryō. Remember: Meiryō is for the senses and logic; Meikaku is for the definition and certainty.

To truly master 明瞭 (meiryō), you must be able to distinguish it from its synonyms. Each has a specific 'flavor' and context where it performs best.

明確 (Meikaku): Meaning: Definite, precise, clear-cut. Use this when focusing on the 'definition' or 'certainty' of something. A 'clear goal' is meikaku na mokuhyō. It implies there is no room for doubt.

鮮明 (Senmei): Meaning: Vivid, clear, distinct. This is primarily for visual things or memories. It suggests high contrast and bright colors. A 'vivid memory' is senmei na kioku. While meiryō is about being able to see it, senmei is about how 'alive' it looks.

はっきり (Hakkiri): Meaning: Clearly, plainly. This is the most common, everyday version. It can replace meiryō in almost all casual contexts. If you're unsure, hakkiri is the safest bet for daily speech.

Comparison:
1. 明瞭な発音 (Articulate pronunciation - technical/formal)
2. 明確な答え (A definite answer - specific/certain)
3. 鮮明な画像 (A vivid/high-contrast image - visual intensity)

明白 (Meihaku): Meaning: Obvious, evident. Use this for facts that are so clear they don't need proof. 'It is obvious that he is lying' would use meihaku. It carries a stronger sense of 'it cannot be denied.'

In summary, meiryō sits at the intersection of perception and logic. It is less emotional than senmei, more technical than hakkiri, and more focused on the sensory quality than meikaku. When you describe someone's speech as meiryō, you are complimenting their technique; when you describe their logic as meiryō, you are complimenting their clarity of thought.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The second kanji, 瞭, is relatively rare in daily life except for this word and the idiom 'Ichimoku-ryōzen.' It specifically refers to the clarity of the eye's perception.

Pronunciation Guide

UK meɪ.rʲoː

US meɪ.rʲoʊ

The stress is even across all syllables, typical of Japanese pitch accent (usually Heiban/Flat style in this case).

Rhymes With

Kōryō (荒涼) Sōryō (総量) Hōryō (捕領) Dōryō (同僚) Tōryō (棟梁) Kairyō (改良) Kōryō (香料) Seiryō (清涼)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ryō' as two syllables 'ri-yo'. It should be one.
Shortening the long 'o' at the end.
Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Japanese flap.
Misplacing the pitch accent on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'mei' with 'mai'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The second kanji 瞭 is N1 level, though the word itself is B2/N2.

Writing 5/5

Writing 瞭 correctly requires attention to the eye radical and the complex right side.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but knowing when to use it over 'hakkiri' takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with other 'mei' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

明るい (akarui) はっきり (hakkiri) 説明 (setsumei) 発音 (hatsuon) 意味 (imi)

Learn Next

明確 (meikaku) 鮮明 (senmei) 明白 (meihaku) 論理的 (ronri-teki) 簡潔 (kanketsu)

Advanced

一目瞭然 (ichimoku-ryōzen) 朦朧 (mōrō) 含蓄 (ganchiku) 不透明 (futōmei) 明細 (meisai)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modification

明瞭な(na) + Noun

Adverbialization with 'ni'

明瞭に(ni) + Verb

State of being with 'dearu'

結論は明瞭である(dearu).

Compound Kanji Idioms (Yojijukugo)

簡潔明瞭 (Kanketsu-meiryō)

Nominalization with 'sa'

明瞭さ(sa)を求める。

Examples by Level

この字は明瞭です。

This character is clear.

Simple 'Noun + wa + Adjective + desu' structure.

声が明瞭に聞こえます。

I can hear the voice clearly.

Using 'ni' to make the adjective an adverb.

明瞭な写真ですね。

It's a clear photo, isn't it?

'na' is used to connect the adjective to the noun 'shashin'.

答えは明瞭だ。

The answer is clear.

Ending with 'da' is the plain form of 'desu'.

明瞭に話してください。

Please speak clearly.

'Adverb + hanashite kudasai' for a polite request.

この地図は明瞭だ。

This map is clear.

Using 'meiryō' as a noun/adjective to describe a map.

明瞭な音ですね。

That's a clear sound.

Describing the quality of a sound.

意味は明瞭ですか？

Is the meaning clear?

Asking a question with 'ka'.

彼は明瞭な発音で話します。

He speaks with clear pronunciation.

'na' connects 'meiryō' to the noun 'hatsuon'.

テレビの画像が明瞭になった。

The TV image became clear.

'ni naru' means 'to become'.

説明が明瞭で分かりやすい。

The explanation is clear and easy to understand.

The 'te' form of na-adjectives is 'de'.

明瞭な指示をください。

Please give me clear instructions.

Requesting a noun with 'o kudasai'.

その違いは明瞭です。

That difference is clear.

Describing a contrast between two things.

明瞭に書かれた手紙。

A letter written clearly.

Adverb modifying the passive verb 'kakareta'.

彼の意識は明瞭だそうです。

I heard that his consciousness is clear.

'sō desu' means 'I heard that...'.

もっと明瞭に言ってください。

Please say it more clearly.

'motto' means 'more'.

簡潔明瞭なレポートが好まれる。

Concise and clear reports are preferred.

Using the idiom 'kanketsu-meiryō' as a compound adjective.

画像が明瞭でないため、判別が難しい。

Because the image is not clear, it's hard to distinguish.

The negative form of 'meiryō da' is 'meiryō de wa nai' or 'meiryō de nai'.

彼は論理が明瞭な文章を書く。

He writes sentences with clear logic.

The 'ga' particle marks the subject of the sub-clause 'ronri ga meiryō'.

明瞭な証拠が見つかりました。

Clear evidence was found.

'mitsukaru' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be found'.

この計画の目的は明瞭ではない。

The purpose of this plan is not clear.

Negative state of being for a na-adjective.

明瞭な声でスピーチをした。

I gave a speech in a clear voice.

Describing the manner of an action using 'de' (with/in).

契約書の内容を明瞭にする必要がある。

It is necessary to make the contents of the contract clear.

'ni suru' means 'to make (something) into (state)'.

彼の意図は明瞭に示された。

His intention was clearly shown.

Passive voice 'shimesareta' (was shown).

そのシステムは音声の明瞭度を向上させた。

That system improved the speech intelligibility.

'Meiryō-do' is a noun meaning 'degree of clarity'.

意識明瞭な状態で搬送された。

The person was transported in a state of clear consciousness.

Medical terminology where 'ishiki meiryō' acts as a compound noun.

この論文の結論は、非常に明瞭である。

The conclusion of this paper is very clear.

'dearu' is the formal, written version of 'desu'.

明瞭な判断を下すことが求められている。

Making a clear judgment is required.

'koto ga motomerarete iru' means 'it is required to...'.

責任の所在を明瞭にすべきだ。

We should make clear where the responsibility lies.

'subeki da' means 'should do'.

そのフォントは、画面上での明瞭性が高い。

That font has high legibility on the screen.

'Meiryō-sei' is a noun meaning 'clarity/legibility'.

彼は事実を明瞭に述べることを避けた。

He avoided stating the facts clearly.

'koto o sakeru' means 'to avoid doing something'.

明瞭な対立軸が浮かび上がってきた。

A clear line of conflict has emerged.

'ukabiagatte kita' means 'has come to the surface'.

その法案の目的は、国民にとって明瞭とは言い難い。

It is hard to say that the purpose of that bill is clear to the citizens.

'to wa iigatai' is a formal way to say 'it is hard to say that...'

彼は、自身の哲学を簡潔明瞭に体系化した。

He systematized his own philosophy in a concise and clear manner.

Adverbial use of 'kanketsu-meiryō' to describe 'taikeika-shita' (systematized).

明瞭なコントラストが、この絵画の魅力を引き立てている。

The clear contrast enhances the charm of this painting.

'hikitateru' means 'to enhance' or 'to set off'.

デジタル化によって、情報の明瞭性が飛躍的に向上した。

Due to digitalization, the clarity of information has improved dramatically.

'hiyaku-teki ni' means 'dramatically' or 'by leaps and bounds'.

その事象の背後にある因果関係は、未だ明瞭ではない。

The causal relationship behind that phenomenon is not yet clear.

'imada ... nai' means 'not yet ...'.

彼は明瞭な口調で、自身の無実を訴えた。

He pleaded his innocence in a clear tone of voice.

'kuchō' means 'tone of voice'.

明瞭な輪郭を持つ山々が、夕日に映えている。

The mountains with clear outlines are glowing in the sunset.

'rinkaku' means 'outline' or 'contour'.

この実験結果は、仮説の正しさを明瞭に裏付けている。

The results of this experiment clearly support the correctness of the hypothesis.

'urazukeru' means 'to support' or 'to corroborate'.

言語の明瞭性は、コミュニケーションの基盤であるが、同時に情報の深みを制限することもある。

Linguistic clarity is the foundation of communication, but at the same time, it can limit the depth of information.

A complex sentence using 'dearu ga' to show contrast.

その政治家の発言は、意図的に明瞭さを欠くように構成されていた。

The politician's remarks were intentionally structured to lack clarity.

'meiryō-sa o kaku' means 'to lack clarity'.

認識論において、真理の明瞭性は古くから議論の対象となってきた。

In epistemology, the clarity of truth has long been a subject of debate.

'taishō to natte kita' means 'has been the subject of...'

彼は、カオスの中から明瞭な秩序を見出す才能に長けていた。

He excelled in the talent of finding a clear order within chaos.

'ni takete ita' means 'was proficient/skilled in'.

高度な音響設計により、ホール隅々まで明瞭な響きを届けることが可能となった。

Through advanced acoustic design, it became possible to deliver clear resonance to every corner of the hall.

Using 'ni yori' to indicate a means or cause.

その詩の言葉は、読者の心に明瞭な映像を喚起させる。

The words of that poem evoke clear images in the reader's mind.

'kanki saseru' means 'to evoke' or 'to arouse'.

歴史的な文脈を考慮すると、その行動の動機は極めて明瞭である。

Considering the historical context, the motivation for that action is extremely clear.

'kiwamete' is a formal word for 'extremely'.

意味の明瞭さを追求するあまり、文学的な含蓄が失われてしまった。

By pursuing clarity of meaning too much, the literary implication was lost.

'amari' here means 'so much that... (negative result)'.

Synonyms

明確明白はっきりした簡潔鮮明

Antonyms

不明瞭曖昧不鮮明

Common Collocations

明瞭な発音

意識明瞭

論理明瞭

意味明瞭

画像が明瞭

明瞭に聞こえる

明瞭な記憶

明瞭な証拠

明瞭な答え

明瞭な対照

Common Phrases

簡潔明瞭

— Concise and clear. Used to describe ideal communication.

要点を簡潔明瞭に説明する。

一目瞭然

— Obvious at a glance. (Uses the same 'ryō' kanji).

どちらが勝ったかは一目瞭然だ。

明瞭度が高い

— High degree of clarity/intelligibility.

このスピーカーは明瞭度が高い。

意識が明瞭になる

— To regain clear consciousness.

薬の影向が消え、意識が明瞭になった。

明瞭な指示

— Clear and understandable instructions.

プロジェクトを進めるために明瞭な指示が必要だ。

明瞭に区別する

— To distinguish clearly between two things.

公私を明瞭に区別すべきだ。

明瞭な輪郭

— A sharp, clear outline.

遠くの山が明瞭な輪郭を見せている。

意味が明瞭でない

— The meaning is not clear.

この契約書の条項は意味が明瞭ではない。

明瞭な理由

— A clear and logical reason.

反対するなら明瞭な理由を言ってください。

音声明瞭度

— Speech intelligibility (technical term).

音声明瞭度のテストを行う。

Often Confused With

明瞭 vs 透明 (tōmei)

Tōmei is for physical transparency (water, glass). Meiryō is for perceptibility (sound, logic).

明瞭 vs 明確 (meikaku)

Meikaku is about being definite and specific. Meiryō is about being distinct and easy to perceive.

明瞭 vs 明白 (meihaku)

Meihaku is for obvious facts. Meiryō is for the quality of the signal or logic.

Idioms & Expressions

"簡潔明瞭"

— To be brief and to the point without losing clarity.

彼のスピーチは簡潔明瞭で、聴衆を飽きさせなかった。

Professional

"一目瞭然"

— So clear that one look is enough to understand.

グラフを見れば、売り上げが伸びているのは一目瞭然だ。

Neutral

"明瞭快活"

— Clear-headed and cheerful (often used for personality).

彼は明瞭快活な性格で、誰からも好かれる。

Neutral

"旗幟鮮明"

— To make one's stance or position very clear (uses 'senmei', related to meiryō).

彼はその問題に対して旗幟鮮明にした。

Formal/Political

"明鏡止水"

— A mind as clear as a polished mirror and still water.

明鏡止水の心境で試合に臨む。

Literary/Martial Arts

"判然としない"

— To be unclear or ambiguous (often used in the negative).

霧のせいで、遠くの景色が判然としない。

Neutral

"明白かつ現在の危険"

— Clear and present danger (legal/political term translated from English).

その行動は、国家にとって明白かつ現在の危険である。

Legal

"論理の明瞭さ"

— The clarity of one's logic.

この論文の価値は、その論理の明瞭さにある。

Academic

"意識の明瞭化"

— The clarification of consciousness/intent.

目標を達成するためには、意識の明瞭化が必要だ。

Psychological

"言辞明瞭"

— Clear and articulate words.

彼は言辞明瞭に自分の意見を述べた。

Formal

Easily Confused

明瞭 vs 鮮明 (senmei)

Both mean 'clear.'

Senmei is for vividness and high contrast (visuals/memories). Meiryō is for distinctness and lack of blur (sound/logic/visuals).

鮮明な色 (Vivid color) vs 明瞭な発音 (Articulate pronunciation).

明瞭 vs 明快 (meikai)

Both describe clear explanations.

Meikai implies the explanation is crisp, pleasant, and easy to digest. Meiryō implies it is logically distinct and unambiguous.

明快な回答 (A crisp answer) vs 論理が明瞭 (Logic is clear).

明瞭 vs 判然 (hanzen)

Both relate to distinctness.

Hanzen is often used in the negative (hanzen to shinai) to mean something is 'not quite clear' or 'hard to tell apart.' Meiryō is a more positive, objective quality.

区別が判然としない (The distinction is not clear).

明瞭 vs 明晰 (meiseki)

Both mean clear.

Meiseki is almost exclusively used for 'clear-headedness' or 'lucid thinking' (頭脳明晰). Meiryō has a broader range including sensory perception.

頭脳明晰な学生 (A clear-headed student).

明瞭 vs 顕著 (kencho)

Both imply something is easy to see.

Kencho means 'notable' or 'remarkable'—something that stands out because it's big or significant. Meiryō means it's clear because it's not blurry.

顕著な進歩 (Notable progress) vs 明瞭な差異 (A clear difference).

Sentence Patterns

～の[Noun]は、[Adverb]明瞭だ。

彼の説明は、驚くほど明瞭だ。

～を明瞭にするために、～する。

意味を明瞭にするために、辞書を引く。

～が明瞭であればあるほど、～だ。

指示が明瞭であればあるほど、作業は早く進む。

明瞭な[Noun]とは言い難い。

それは明瞭な理由とは言い難い。

～という点は明瞭である。

彼が犯人であるという点は明瞭である。

～に明瞭な差異が認められる。

二つのデータに明瞭な差異が認められる。

[Noun]の明瞭さを欠いている。

この文章は主旨の明瞭さを欠いている。

明瞭かつ[Adjective]な～

明瞭かつ論理的な説明。

Word Family

Nouns

明瞭さ (meiryō-sa) - Clarity

明瞭度 (meiryō-do) - Degree of clarity/intelligibility

明瞭性 (meiryō-sei) - Legibility/Clarity

Verbs

明瞭にする (meiryō ni suru) - To clarify

明瞭化する (meiryō-ka suru) - To clarify/make clear

Adjectives

明瞭な (meiryō na) - Clear/Distinct

不明瞭な (fumeiryō na) - Unclear/Vague

明白 (meihaku)

明確 (meikaku)

鮮明 (senmei)

明快 (meikai)

透明 (tōmei)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and technical Japanese. Rare in casual daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'meiryō' for clear water. → 透明な水 (tōmei na mizu)
Meiryō is for perceptibility of information, not physical transparency.
Using 'meiryō' for a clear sky. → 快晴 (kaisei)
Weather uses specific kanji like '晴' (hare). 'Meiryō na sora' sounds like you're looking at a photo of a sky.
Saying 'meiryō ni naru' for 'to understand'. → はっきりわかる (hakkiri wakaru)
While 'meiryō ni naru' means 'to become clear,' it's used for things like images or logic. For personal understanding, 'hakkiri wakaru' is more natural.
Confusing 'meiryō' with 'meikaku' in goals. → 明確な目標 (meikaku na mokuhyō)
Goals are 'definite' (meikaku), not 'articulate' (meiryō).
Using 'meiryō' in very casual talk. → はっきり (hakkiri)
Using 'meiryō' with your friends makes you sound like a robot or a textbook.

Tips

Use in Business Emails

When you want to thank someone for a clear explanation, use 'meiryō na go-setsumei' to sound professional and respectful.

Pair with 'ni'

To describe how someone speaks or writes, always use 'meiryō ni' (e.g., meiryō ni hanasu). It functions as a perfect adverb.

Learn the Idiom

Memorize '簡潔明瞭' (kanketsu-meiryō). It is a 'set phrase' in Japanese business that will make you sound very advanced.

Listen to the News

Watch NHK news. The way the anchors speak is the definition of 'meiryō.' Try to mimic their clarity of vowels.

Kanji Recognition

Don't confuse the 'eye' radical in 瞭 with the 'sun' radical. Clarity (meiryō) requires an eye to see it!

Technical Reports

If you are writing a technical report in Japanese, use 'meiryō' to describe data clarity or image resolution.

Meiryō vs Senmei

If it's about being able to 'read' or 'hear' it, use meiryō. If it's about being 'pretty' or 'vivid,' use senmei.

Public Speaking

In a speech, you can say 'Meiryō ni o-tsutae shimasu' (I will convey this clearly) to set a professional tone.

Visualizing the Kanji

The kanji 明 (bright) + 瞭 (clear view) = Bright and clear. It's like turning on a light in a dark room.

Avoid for Subjective Feelings

Don't use 'meiryō' to say 'I'm clear on how I feel.' Use 'hakkiri' for personal feelings. Use 'meiryō' for objective things.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'MEI' (bright) light hitting an 'EYE' (the radical in 瞭). When the light is bright, the eye sees everything with MEIRYŌ (clarity).

Visual Association

A pair of glasses being wiped clean. Before: Fumeiryō (unclear). After: Meiryō (clear).

Word Web

Bright Eye Logic Sound Sharp Distinct Concise Legible

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'meiryō' (e.g., a clear label, a sharp screen) and three things that are 'fumeiryō' (e.g., a blurry shadow, a faded receipt).

Word Origin

Borrowed from Classical Chinese (Sino-Japanese vocabulary). It appears in early Japanese texts as a formal way to describe clarity.

Original meaning: To be bright and clear-sighted.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for 'clear skin' (use 'bihada' or 'toumeikan').

English speakers often use 'clear' for everything. In Japanese, 'meiryō' is your 'professional/technical clear.'

Meiryo Font (Microsoft Windows) NHK Announcer Standards (Meiryō-sa focus) Legal terminology in the Japanese Constitution

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic/Writing

論理が明瞭である
定義が明瞭だ
意味明瞭な記述
明瞭な結論

Business

簡潔明瞭な報告
指示を明瞭にする
責任を明瞭にする
明瞭なプレゼン

Medical/Safety

意識明瞭
視界が明瞭だ
警報が明瞭に聞こえる
手順の明瞭化

Technology

音声明瞭度
画像の明瞭性
明瞭なフォント
信号が明瞭だ

Legal

証拠が明瞭だ
明瞭な違反
契約の明瞭化
意図が明瞭である

Conversation Starters

"あなたの説明はいつも簡潔明瞭で、本当に分かりやすいですね。"

"この新しいイヤホンの音声、すごく明瞭に聞こえませんか？"

"プレゼンの資料は、もっと明瞭なデザインにしたほうがいいでしょうか？"

"最近のテレビは画像が明瞭すぎて、俳優さんのシワまで見えますね。"

"その問題の解決策は、今や誰の目にも明瞭だと思います。"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かの『明瞭な』説明を聞いて感動したことはありますか？

自分の人生の目標は、現在どのくらい『明瞭』ですか？

『簡潔明瞭』な文章を書くために、どのような工夫をしていますか？

あなたが一番『明瞭な』記憶として覚えている子供の頃の思い出は何ですか？

仕事や勉強で、もっと『明瞭に』すべきだと感じていることは何ですか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should not use 'meiryō' for weather. For a clear sky, use 'kaisei' (快晴) or 'hare' (晴れ). 'Meiryō' is for things that carry information or sensory signals like voices, text, or logic.

Yes, 'meiryō' is much more formal. 'Hakkiri' is used in daily conversation ('I can't see clearly without my glasses'). 'Meiryō' is used in professional contexts ('The witness gave a clear description').

They are close, but 'meiryō' is about how easy something is to perceive (like a loud, clear voice), while 'meikaku' is about how definite or specific something is (like a clear, specific goal).

No. For transparent things like water or glass, use 'tōmei' (透明). 'Meiryō' implies that the thing itself is distinct, not that you can see through it.

It is usually a na-adjective (meiryō na) or a noun. While you can say 'meiryō-ka suru' (to clarify), you rarely see 'meiryō suru' on its own.

It is a medical term meaning 'clear consciousness.' Doctors use it to say a patient is awake, alert, and knows who and where they are.

Microsoft named it 'Meiryo' because the font was designed to be exceptionally clear and easy to read (legible) on digital screens, which is exactly what the word means.

It is common in books, news, and business, but you won't hear it much in casual anime or street talk unless someone is being intentionally formal.

The first is 'mei' (明 - sun + moon). The second is 'ryō' (瞭 - eye + a complex part meaning clear). It's a high-level kanji, so practicing the 'eye' radical is key.

Yes, in the compound 'meiryō-kaikatsu' (clear-headed and cheerful). On its own, it's rarely used for personality; people usually use 'akarui' (bright).