明らかな
It means something is very clear and easy to see or understand.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 明らかな (akiraka na). It means obvious or clear. Like, if you see a big dog, it is akiraka na that it is a dog! You don't need to guess. It's easy to see. You can say, 'The answer is akiraka na.' This means the answer is very easy to find. It's not a secret! It's just clear for you to see.
Let's talk about 明らかな (akiraka na). This adjective means something is obvious or plain to see. If someone is crying a lot, it's akiraka na that they are sad. You don't need them to tell you; you can see it clearly. We use 'akiraka na' when something is easy to understand or notice. For example, 'There is an akiraka na mistake in the homework.' This means the mistake is very easy to find.
The Japanese adjective 明らかな (akiraka na) translates to obvious, clear, or evident. It's used when something is readily apparent and leaves no room for doubt. For instance, if a plan has many problems, you could say, 'The problems with the plan are akiraka na.' This implies the issues are easily perceived by anyone looking at it. It's a common word to describe facts, reasons, or situations that are straightforward and easily understood without needing further explanation.
明らかな (akiraka na) is a na-adjective meaning obvious, clear, manifest, or evident. It signifies a high degree of transparency, where something is easily perceived or understood without ambiguity. You might use it in contexts like discussing 明らかな証拠 (akiraka na shouko) – clear evidence – where the proof is undeniable. It can also describe a person's feelings when they are openly displayed, such as 明らかな怒り (akiraka na ikari) – obvious anger. The usage implies a lack of subtlety; the matter is plain for all to see.
In Japanese, 明らかな (akiraka na) functions as a na-adjective denoting obviousness, clarity, or manifestation. Its semantic range extends beyond simple perceptibility to encompass situations where truth or reality is readily apparent, often requiring no inferential leap. Consider its use in academic discourse, perhaps describing 明らかな因果関係 (akiraka na inga kankei) – a clear causal relationship – where the link between two phenomena is demonstrably evident. It carries a strong sense of undeniability, suggesting that the subject is not merely visible but fundamentally transparent and easily grasped by rational assessment.
The adjective 明らかな (akiraka na), derived from the classical verb 'akiraka ni', signifies a profound state of clarity, evidence, or manifestation. Its etymological roots in 'light' and 'dawn' imbue it with a sense of dispelling obscurity. In advanced contexts, it can denote a truth that is not just easily perceived but is fundamentally self-evident, requiring no external validation. For instance, philosophical discussions might reference 明らかな真理 (akiraka na shinri) – an obvious truth – implying a self-evident axiom. Its usage underscores a complete absence of doubt or misinterpretation, positioning the subject as unequivocally understood, akin to a perfectly illuminated object in pristine conditions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'obvious', 'clear', 'evident'.
- A na-adjective, used as 'Akiraka na + Noun' or 'Akiraka da/desu'.
- Common in various contexts, from daily life to formal writing.
- Emphasizes transparency and lack of doubt.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 明らかな (akiraka na). This is a super useful Japanese adjective that basically means obvious, clear, or evident. Think about a time when something was so plain to see that you couldn't possibly miss it – that's exactly what 'akiraka na' describes!
It's used when something is not hidden or ambiguous at all. Whether it's a visible fact, a logical conclusion, or a feeling that's hard to hide, if it's 'akiraka na', it's out in the open for everyone to grasp. It’s a word that helps us point out things that are undeniable and easily understood without any confusion.
Imagine you're looking at a sunny day; the sky is blue, the sun is shining brightly – it's all akiraka na! Or perhaps a friend is smiling widely; their happiness is akiraka na. It’s all about clarity and a lack of doubt. So, whenever you encounter something that leaves no room for question, 'akiraka na' is the perfect word to describe it!
The word 'akiraka' (明らかなり) itself has roots in classical Japanese, stemming from the verb 'akiraka' (明らむ), which means 'to become clear' or 'to dawn'. The kanji '明' (mei, myō, a-karu, a-kera-ka, a-kashi) is central here, carrying meanings related to light, brightness, and clarity. It's a character you see in words like 'meigen' (名言 - famous saying) or 'akatsuki' (暁 - dawn), all hinting at illumination and understanding.
Over time, 'akiraka' evolved into the adjective form we use today, 'akiraka na'. The '-na' ending is a common marker for na-adjectives in Japanese, allowing them to modify nouns directly. The historical usage often emphasized a dawning realization or the clearing away of confusion, much like the sun rising to dispel the night's darkness.
Interestingly, the concept of clarity and obviousness is fundamental across languages. While the specific etymology points to Japanese roots, the idea of something being 'bright' or 'clear' as a metaphor for being understood is a recurring theme. Think of English phrases like 'crystal clear' or 'as plain as day'. The Japanese 'akiraka na' fits perfectly into this universal human experience of recognizing what is evident.
You'll find 'akiraka na' used in a wide variety of situations, both formal and informal. It's a versatile adjective that can describe anything from a physical object's visibility to the clarity of a statement or the obviousness of a situation.
In everyday conversation, you might hear things like: 明らかな間違い (akiraka na machigai - obvious mistake) or 明らかな理由 (akiraka na riyuu - obvious reason). It's also common to use it when talking about emotions or intentions that are easy to read, such as 明らかな喜び (akiraka na yorokobi - obvious joy).
In more formal settings, like business or academic contexts, 'akiraka na' maintains its meaning of being evident or manifest. For instance, a report might state: 明らかな証拠 (akiraka na shouko - clear evidence) or 明らかな傾向 (akiraka na tenkou - clear trend). It’s a reliable word when you need to emphasize that something is beyond dispute. Remember, it functions as a na-adjective, so it needs 'na' when directly modifying a noun (e.g., 明らかな事実 - akiraka na jijitsu - obvious fact) but can stand alone after 'da' or 'desu' (e.g., それは明らかだ - Sore wa akiraka da - That is obvious).
While 'akiraka na' itself is quite direct, it often appears in phrases that emphasize its meaning of clarity and obviousness. These expressions help paint a vivid picture of something being unmistakable.
One common way to express this is using the phrase 一目瞭然 (hitome ryōzen). This idiom literally means 'obvious at a glance' and is used when something is so clear that you can understand it immediately upon seeing it. For example, the difference between the two products was hitome ryōzen.
Another related concept is 明白 (meihaku), which is a more formal synonym for 'obvious' or 'clear'. You might see it in legal or official documents, like meihaku na shijitsu (明白な事実 - clear facts). While not strictly an idiom, it's a closely related term that reinforces the idea of undeniable clarity.
You might also hear expressions like 火を見るよりも明らか (hi o miru yori mo akiraka), which translates to 'clearer than seeing a fire'. This is a very strong way to say something is absolutely obvious, as fire is inherently visible and undeniable. It's used for situations where the truth is as certain as a burning flame.
As a 'na-adjective', 'akiraka na' (明らかな) behaves a bit differently from 'i-adjectives'. When it modifies a noun directly, you must place 'na' between 'akiraka' and the noun. For example, 明らかな証拠 (akiraka na shouko - obvious evidence). However, when used predicatively (at the end of a sentence), you use 'da' or 'desu' instead of 'na': それは明らかだ (Sore wa akiraka da - That is obvious) or それは明らかです (Sore wa akiraka desu - That is obvious).
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Japanese): /a̠kiɾa̠ka̠ na̠/
- Breakdown: A-ki-ra-ka-na
- Sounds like: Think of 'ah-key-rah-kah nah'. Each syllable is fairly distinct. The 'r' sound is a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'.
Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese can be tricky due to syllable structure, but words ending in '-aka na' might offer near rhymes or assonance, such as 'shiraka na' (知らない - unknown, though this is an i-adjective ending) or other na-adjectives with similar vowel patterns.
Stress Patterns: Japanese is largely pitch-accent based rather than stress-based. For 'akiraka na', the pitch tends to be relatively even, perhaps with a slight rise and fall depending on the dialect, but no strong, distinct stress like in English.
Fun Fact
The kanji '明' (bright/clear) is composed of 'sun' (日) and 'moon' (月), symbolizing the ultimate source of light and clarity.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like: uh-kih-RAH-kuh nah. Emphasis on the fourth syllable 'ka'.
Sounds like: ah-kih-RAH-kuh nah. The 'r' is a light flap.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' too hard.
- Adding unnecessary stress to syllables.
- Pronouncing the final 'na' too softly.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in simple contexts, requires attention to nuance in complex sentences.
Straightforward for basic use, requires care with na-adjective grammar and formal synonyms.
Easy to pronounce and use in basic conversation.
Generally easy to understand due to its clear meaning.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Na-Adjectives
Akiraka na + Noun; Akiraka da/desu.
Adverbial Forms
Akiraka ni + Verb (e.g., Akiraka ni shita - made clear).
Predicate Adjectives
Sore wa akiraka da. (That is obvious.)
Examples by Level
犬は大きい。
dog TOPIC big
大きい (ookii) is an i-adjective meaning 'big'.
答えは明らかだ。
answer TOPIC obvious-is
明らか (akiraka) used predicatively with だ (da).
空は青い。
sky TOPIC blue
青い (aoi) is an i-adjective meaning 'blue'.
それは簡単です。
that TOPIC easy is
簡単 (kantan) is a na-adjective, but often used like this.
雨が降っている。
rain FALLING is
〜ている (-te iru) indicates an ongoing action.
彼は元気です。
he TOPIC healthy is
元気 (genki) means healthy or energetic.
これは私の本です。
this TOPIC my book is
です (desu) is a polite copula.
道はまっすぐだ。
road TOPIC straight-is
まっすぐ (massugu) means straight.
彼の顔に明らかな悲しみが見えた。
his face on obvious sadness could-be-seen
明らかな (akiraka na) modifies the noun 悲しみ (kanashimi - sadness).
この間違いは明らかだ。
this mistake TOPIC obvious-is
明らかだ (akiraka da) is used predicatively.
明らかな理由で、彼は遅刻した。
obvious reason because, he was-late
明らかな (akiraka na) modifies 理由 (riyuu - reason).
その計画には明らかな問題がある。
that plan in obvious problems exist
問題 (mondai) means problem or issue.
彼の喜びは明らかだった。
his joy TOPIC obvious-was
だった (datta) is the past tense of だ (da).
明らかな違いが二つの写真にあった。
obvious difference TOPIC two photos in existed
にあった (ni atta) means 'existed in' or 'was in'.
それは誰にでも明らかなことだ。
that TOPIC anyone to obvious thing-is
〜こと (koto) means 'thing' or 'matter'.
明らかな成功だった。
obvious success-was
成功 (seikou) means success.
その結果は、我々の予想をはるかに超えており、明らかだった。
that result TOPIC our expectations far exceeded, obvious-was
〜をはるかに超えて (o haruka ni koete) means 'far exceeding'.
明らかな証拠があるにもかかわらず、彼は無実を主張した。
obvious evidence exist despite, he innocence claimed
〜にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu) means 'despite'.
彼の態度の変化は明らかで、誰もがそれに気づいた。
his attitude's change TOPIC obvious and, everyone that noticed
態度 (taido) means attitude or behavior.
この地域で明らかな経済成長が見られる。
this region in obvious economic growth can-be-seen
経済成長 (keizai seichou) means economic growth.
明らかな誤解から、二人の間に口論が起こった。
obvious misunderstanding from, two people between argument occurred
口論 (kouron) means argument or quarrel.
その作家の文体は、他の誰とも違うことが明らかだ。
that author's writing-style TOPIC anyone else with different-is obvious
文体 (buntai) means writing style.
明らかな才能を持っている彼は、すぐに注目を集めた。
obvious talent possesses he, quickly attention gathered
才能 (sainou) means talent.
この状況は、我々が行動を起こすべきであることを明らかにした。
this situation TOPIC we action take should-be-it that made-clear
行動を起こす (koudou o okosu) means to take action.
会議での彼の発言は、その計画に対する反対意見を明らかにしていた。
meeting at his statement TOPIC that plan towards opposing opinion clearly indicated
発言 (hatsugen) means statement or remark. 明らかにしていた (akiraka ni shite ita) uses the adverbial form.
明らかな矛盾が含まれているにもかかわらず、その報告書は承認された。
obvious contradiction contained despite, that report TOPIC approved was
矛盾 (mujun) means contradiction. The adverbial 明らかに (akiraka ni) can also be used here.
その発見は、長年の科学的探求の努力が実を結んだことを明らかにした。
that discovery TOPIC years-long scientific inquiry's efforts fruit bore that made-clear
実を結ぶ (mi o musubu) means to bear fruit or yield results.
彼の行動は、隠された意図があることを示唆しており、それは明らかだった。
his actions TOPIC hidden intention exist that suggested, it TOPIC obvious-was
示唆する (shisa suru) means to suggest or imply.
明らかな優位性にもかかわらず、試合は最後までもつれた。
obvious superiority despite, match TOPIC end until became-entangled
優位性 (yuuisei) means superiority or advantage.
このデータセットは、市場における明らかな需要の増加を示している。
this dataset TOPIC market in obvious demand's increase shows
需要 (juyou) means demand.
彼女の演技は、役柄への深い理解を明らかにしていた。
her acting TOPIC role towards deep understanding clearly showed
演技 (engi) means acting or performance.
明らかな危険を冒してまで、彼はその目標を達成しようとした。
obvious danger risk even, he that goal achieve tried
危険を冒す (kiken o okasu) means to risk danger.
その芸術作品は、作者の精神的葛藤を明らかな形で表現している。
that artwork TOPIC author's mental conflict TOPIC obvious form in expresses
精神的葛藤 (seishinteki kattou) means mental conflict. 明らかな形 (akiraka na katachi) means obvious form.
彼の長年の研究は、その仮説の妥当性を明らかなものとした。
his long-years research TOPIC that hypothesis's validity TOPIC obvious thing-made
妥当性 (datousei) means validity or reasonableness. 明らかなものとした (akiraka na mono to shita) means 'made it obvious'.
この文学作品における象徴主義の用法は、分析するまでもなく明らかだ。
this literary work in symbolism's usage TOPIC analyze until not obvious
象徴主義 (shouchou shugi) means symbolism. 〜までもなく (made mo naku) means 'without even needing to...'
明らかな経済的インセンティブがあったにもかかわらず、彼はその申し出を断った。
obvious economic incentive existed despite, he that offer refused
インセンティブ (insentibu) is a loanword for incentive.
その政治家の言葉遣いは、世論操作を目的としていることが明らかだった。
that politician's choice-of-words TOPIC public-opinion manipulation goal-is that was-obvious
言葉遣い (kotobazukai) means choice of words or diction.
明らかなパターンが見られるにもかかわらず、その現象の根本原因は未解明のままだ。
obvious pattern can-be-seen despite, that phenomenon's root cause TOPIC unsolved remains
未解明 (mikai mei) means unsolved or unexplained.
彼の謝罪は、真摯な反省から出たものではなく、義務感からくる明らかなものであった。
his apology TOPIC sincere remorse from came-out not, sense-of-duty from stemming obvious-thing-was
真摯な反省 (shinshi na hansei) means sincere remorse.
この技術革新がもたらす影響は計り知れないほど大きいが、その恩恵はまだ明らかではない。
this technological innovation brings impact TOPIC immeasurable extremely big, but its benefits TOPIC yet obvious not
技術革新 (gijutsu kakushin) means technological innovation. 計り知れない (hakarishirenai) means immeasurable.
その哲学者の論証は、自己言及的なパラドックスを内包しており、その帰結は明白であった。
that philosopher's argument TOPIC self-referential paradox TOPIC contained, its conclusion TOPIC obvious-was
自己言及的 (jiko genkyuuteki) means self-referential. 明白 (meihaku) is a more formal synonym for 明らか.
歴史の必然として、その革命は予期せぬ形で勃発したが、その根源は明白だった。
history's inevitability as, that revolution TOPIC unexpected form in broke-out, but its root TOPIC obvious-was
必然 (hitsuzen) means inevitability. 勃発する (boppatsu suru) means to break out (like war or revolution).
彼の詩におけるイメージの連関は、一見複雑に見えるが、深く読み込めばその詩的真実は明白となる。
his poetry in imagery's connection TOPIC at-first glance complex seems, but deeply read if its poetic truth TOPIC obvious becomes
連関 (renkan) means connection or linkage. 詩的真実 (shiteki shinjitsu) means poetic truth.
その科学的発見は、長らく信じられてきた理論に明白な疑問を投げかけた。
that scientific discovery TOPIC long-time believed-been theory TOPIC obvious doubt cast
疑問を投げかける (gimon o nagekakeru) means to cast doubt.
明らかなる神意の発露と見なされたその奇跡は、人々の信仰心をさらに強固なものにした。
obvious divine-will's manifestation as regarded that miracle TOPIC people's faith-mind further strong thing-made
神意 (shin'i) means divine will. 発露 (hatsuro) means manifestation or expression.
その建築様式に見られる対称性は、古代ギリシャの美学思想の明白な反映である。
that architectural-style in seen symmetry TOPIC ancient Greek aesthetic thought TOPIC obvious reflection is
対称性 (taishousei) means symmetry. 美学 (bigaku) means aesthetics.
彼の芸術的表現におけるミニマリズムの追求は、その後の世代に明白な影響を与えた。
his artistic expression in minimalism's pursuit TOPIC subsequent generations TOPIC obvious influence gave
ミニマリズム (minimarijumu) is a loanword for minimalism.
その裁判における証拠の欠如は、被告人の無罪を明白たらしめた。
that trial in evidence's lack TOPIC defendant's innocence TOPIC obvious-made
無罪 (muzai) means innocence. 明白たらしめた (meihaku tarashimeta) is a classical form meaning 'made obvious'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"火を見るよりも明らか (hi o miru yori mo akiraka)"
Clearer than seeing a fire; absolutely obvious.
彼が嘘をついているのは、火を見るよりも明らかだ。(Kare ga uso o tsuite iru no wa, hi o miru yori mo akiraka da.) - It's as clear as day that he is lying.
neutral"一目瞭然 (hitome ryōzen)"
Obvious at a glance; self-evident.
二人の実力の差は一目瞭然だった。(Futari no jitsuryoku no sa wa hitome ryōzen datta.) - The difference in their abilities was obvious at a glance.
neutral/formal"明白 (meihaku)"
Clear, evident, manifest (more formal than 明らかな).
その事実は明白である。(Sono jijitsu wa meihaku de aru.) - That fact is evident.
formal"疑いようがない (utagaiyou ga nai)"
Without room for doubt; unquestionable.
彼の無罪は疑いようがない。(Kare no muzai wa utagaiyou ga nai.) - His innocence is beyond doubt.
neutral"誰の目にも明らか (dare no me ni mo akiraka)"
Obvious to anyone's eyes; plain to see.
その状況は誰の目にも明らかだった。(Sono joukyou wa dare no me ni mo akiraka datta.) - The situation was obvious to everyone.
neutral"雲泥の差 (undei no sa)"
A difference as vast as the clouds and mud; a huge, obvious difference.
彼らのスキルには雲泥の差がある。(Karera no sukiru ni wa undei no sa ga aru.) - There's a huge difference in their skills.
neutral/formalEasily Confused
Both mean 'obvious' or 'clear'.
'Meihaku na' is more formal and often used in written or official contexts. 'Akiraka na' is more common in general conversation.
明白な証拠 (meihaku na shouko) vs 明らかな証拠 (akiraka na shouko) - Both correct, but 'meihaku na' sounds more official.
Also means 'clear' or 'distinct'.
'Hakkiri shita' can imply a sharper, more defined clarity, sometimes achieved through an action (e.g., 'hakkiri mieru' - can see clearly). 'Akiraka na' often refers to an inherent or logical obviousness.
はっきりした声 (hakkiri shita koe - clear voice) vs 明らかな理由 (akiraka na riyuu - obvious reason).
Learners might confuse words related to clarity and lack thereof.
'Aimai na' means vague, ambiguous, or equivocal – the opposite of 'akiraka na'.
曖昧な返事 (aimai na henji - vague answer) vs 明らかな返事 (akiraka na henji - obvious answer, less common).
Opposites can sometimes be confused.
'Kakusareta' means hidden or concealed. 'Akiraka na' means the opposite – not hidden, easily seen.
隠された意図 (kakusareta ito - hidden intention) vs 明らかな意図 (akiraka na ito - obvious intention).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 明らかだ/です。
その事実は明らかです。(Sono jijitsu wa akiraka desu.) - That fact is obvious.
明らかな + Noun
明らかな間違いを犯した。(Akiraka na machigai o okashita.) - I made an obvious mistake.
Verb/Adjective + ことが明らかになった。
新しい事実が明らかになった。(Atarashii jijitsu ga akiraka ni natta.) - New facts became clear.
Noun + には明らかだ。
彼には明らかだった。(Kare ni wa akiraka datta.) - It was obvious to him.
Noun + として明らかだ。
証拠として明らかだ。(Shouko to shite akiraka da.) - It is clear as evidence.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Na-adjectives require 'da' or 'desu' at the end of a sentence, not 'na'. 'Akiraka na' is used only before a noun.
These words have opposite meanings. 'Akiraka na' is for clarity, while 'aimai na' is for lack of clarity.
明らかに (akiraka ni) is the adverbial form, used to modify verbs or other adjectives (e.g., 明らかに違う - akiraka ni chigau - obviously different). For modifying nouns, use 明らかな (akiraka na).
While 'akiraka na' means obvious, sometimes a more nuanced word is needed if the situation isn't completely black and white.
The Japanese 'r' is not a rolled 'r' or a hard English 'r'. It's a quick tap of the tongue.
Tips
Connect to Light
Remember the kanji '明' means 'light' or 'bright'. Things that are 'akiraka na' are brightly lit and easy to see!
When Certainty Strikes
Use 'akiraka na' when you want to emphasize that something is undeniable, factual, and requires no further proof or explanation.
Directness in Clarity
Japanese culture sometimes values indirectness, but when something IS obvious, 'akiraka na' is the word to state that clarity directly.
Na-Adjective Rule
Always remember: 'Akiraka na + Noun', but 'Akiraka da/desu' at the end of a sentence!
The Gentle 'R'
Practice the Japanese 'r' sound by saying 'butter' quickly in English – that light flap is similar!
Avoid 'Aimai'
Don't mix up 'akiraka na' (obvious) with 'aimai na' (vague). They are opposites!
Sun and Moon
The kanji '明' combines 'sun' and 'moon', the ultimate sources of light, highlighting the core meaning of clarity.
Contextual Flashcards
Create flashcards with example sentences. Write 'Akiraka na' on one side and the sentence on the other, focusing on the context where it means 'obvious'.
Beyond Simple Sight
Think of 'akiraka na' not just for what you see, but also for what you understand logically or feel intuitively.
Adverbial Form
Remember 明らかに (akiraka ni) is the adverb! Use it like 'clearly stated' (Akiraka ni setsumei sareta).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'A' (A) key (KEE) that unlocks a RACK (RAKA) that reveals something OBVIOUS (NA).
Visual Association
Picture a bright, shining sun ('明') illuminating a perfectly clear path.
Word Web
Challenge
Find 5 things around you today that are 'akiraka na' and say the word.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The verb 'akiraka ni suru' (明らむ) meant 'to become clear' or 'to dawn'. The adjective form emphasizes this state of clarity.
Cultural Context
Generally neutral. Describing something as obvious is usually factual and not inherently offensive, unless used condescendingly.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'obviousness' is conveyed through various phrases like 'plain as day,' 'crystal clear,' or simply 'obvious.' The Japanese 'akiraka na' fits seamlessly into these expressions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing evidence or facts
- 明らかな証拠 (akiraka na shouko) - Obvious evidence
- 明らかな事実 (akiraka na jijitsu) - Obvious fact
- 明白な事実 (meihaku na jijitsu) - Manifest fact (formal)
Describing mistakes or problems
- 明らかな間違い (akiraka na machigai) - Obvious mistake
- 明らかな問題 (akiraka na mondai) - Obvious problem
- 明らかな欠点 (akiraka na ketten) - Obvious flaw
Explaining reasons or intentions
- 明らかな理由 (akiraka na riyuu) - Obvious reason
- 明らかな意図 (akiraka na ito) - Obvious intention
- 明らかな目的 (akiraka na mokuteki) - Obvious purpose
Observing trends or changes
- 明らかな傾向 (akiraka na tenkou) - Obvious trend
- 明らかな変化 (akiraka na henka) - Obvious change
- 明らかな成長 (akiraka na seichou) - Obvious growth
Conversation Starters
"What's something obvious that happened today?"
"Can you think of a time when the reason was 'akiraka na'?"
"Is there an 'akiraka na' difference between learning online and in person?"
"What's an 'akiraka na' sign that someone is happy?"
"Did you see any 'akiraka na' mistakes in the news today?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where the truth was 'akiraka na' but difficult to accept.
Write about a time you realized something was 'akiraka na' only after it was pointed out to you.
What are some 'akiraka na' signs of success in your life?
Think of a personal goal. What are the 'akiraka na' steps you need to take to achieve it?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'clear' or 'obvious'. 'Akiraka na' often implies a more fundamental or inherent clarity, while 'hakkiri shita' can suggest a sharper, more distinct clarity, sometimes resulting from an action (like 'hakkiri mieru' - can see clearly).
Yes, absolutely! It's frequently used for abstract things like reasons, facts, intentions, differences, and trends.
As a na-adjective, you can say 'Akiraka na + Noun' (e.g., 明らかな間違い - obvious mistake) or use it predicatively like 'Sore wa akiraka da' (That is obvious).
It's generally neutral to formal. For very casual situations, you might opt for 'wakariyasui' (easy to understand) or simply rely on context.
Common antonyms include 不明瞭な (fumeiryou na - unclear), 曖昧な (aimai na - vague/ambiguous), and 隠された (kakusareta - hidden).
The core meaning is always related to clarity and obviousness. The specific nuance depends on the context, but it consistently points to something easily perceived or understood.
明白な (meihaku na) is a more formal synonym for 明らかな (akiraka na). You'll see 'meihaku na' more often in written documents, legal texts, or academic writing.
It's pronounced ah-kih-rah-kah nah (/a̠kiɾa̠ka̠ na̠/). Focus on clear pronunciation for each syllable, with a light 'r' sound.
Test Yourself
The sky is ____.
The sky is blue (aoi).
Which word means 'obvious'?
Akiraka na means obvious.
明らかな (akiraka na) means 'hidden'.
Akiraka na means obvious or clear, the opposite of hidden.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations with 'akiraka na'.
The correct sentence is 'それは明らかだ' (Sore wa akiraka da), meaning 'That is obvious'.
彼の態度の変化は＿＿＿＿で、誰もがそれに気づいた。
The sentence needs a na-adjective modifying the implied noun 'thing'. 'Akiraka na' (or just 'akiraka' before 'da') fits best.
Which phrase best translates 'manifest contradiction'?
Akiraka na means obvious or manifest.
The phrase '火を見るよりも明らか' implies a subtle or hidden truth.
This idiom means something is extremely obvious, not subtle.
This is my ____ pen.
Atarashii means new.
Word
Meaning
Matching antonyms and synonyms.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 'Akiraka na' whenever something is so clear, it needs no explanation!
- Means 'obvious', 'clear', 'evident'.
- A na-adjective, used as 'Akiraka na + Noun' or 'Akiraka da/desu'.
- Common in various contexts, from daily life to formal writing.
- Emphasizes transparency and lack of doubt.
Connect to Light
Remember the kanji '明' means 'light' or 'bright'. Things that are 'akiraka na' are brightly lit and easy to see!
When Certainty Strikes
Use 'akiraka na' when you want to emphasize that something is undeniable, factual, and requires no further proof or explanation.
Directness in Clarity
Japanese culture sometimes values indirectness, but when something IS obvious, 'akiraka na' is the word to state that clarity directly.
Na-Adjective Rule
Always remember: 'Akiraka na + Noun', but 'Akiraka da/desu' at the end of a sentence!
Example
彼の失敗は明らかだった。
Related Content
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
