Explanation at your level:
Hello! 透明な (tōmei na) is a word that means 'clear' or 'see-through.' Think of a window! You can see through a window, right? That's because it's 透明な. It's like glass. You can see things on the other side. It's not hidden. It's very easy to see. If something is 透明な, it's not blocked. You can look through it easily. Like clear water in a bottle. You can see the water and maybe see something behind the bottle too. So, 透明な means 'clear'!
The Japanese adjective 透明な (tōmei na) means 'transparent' or 'clear.' It describes things you can see through, like a piece of glass or clean water. For example, 'This glass is 透明な' (Kono garasu wa tōmei na desu) means 'This glass is transparent.' It's the opposite of something opaque, which you cannot see through. You can also use it for things that are easy to understand. If an explanation is very clear and simple, you could say it's 透明な. It means there are no secrets or confusing parts.
透明な (tōmei na) is a versatile Japanese adjective meaning 'transparent' or 'clear.' Its primary use is for physical objects that allow light to pass through, such as 透明なガラス (tōmei na garasu - transparent glass) or 透明な液体 (tōmei na ekitai - clear liquid). However, it extends beyond the physical realm to describe situations or information that is easily understood and open. For instance, a 透明な説明 (tōmei na setsumei) refers to a clear and unambiguous explanation. When something lacks hidden motives or complexities, it can be described as 透明な, implying openness and honesty. It's a useful word for discussing both physical properties and conceptual clarity.
The adjective 透明な (tōmei na) signifies transparency, both literally and figuratively. In its literal sense, it applies to materials like glass, plastic, or water that permit light passage, enabling clear visibility of objects beyond. Examples include 透明な窓 (tōmei na mado - transparent window) or 透明なボトル (tōmei na botoru - transparent bottle). Figuratively, 透明な is employed to denote clarity, straightforwardness, and lack of obfuscation in abstract concepts. This can range from a 透明な方針 (tōmei na hōshin - transparent policy) in business or government, indicating openness and accountability, to a 透明な意図 (tōmei na ito - transparent intention), meaning one's motives are obvious. Understanding this dual usage is key to grasping its full scope in various contexts, from everyday descriptions to more formal discussions about governance and communication.
透明な (tōmei na) is a nuanced Japanese adjective denoting transparency, encompassing both the physical property of allowing light to pass through and the abstract quality of being open, clear, and easily understood. Its literal application is straightforward: describing materials such as 透明なレンズ (tōmei na renzu - transparent lens) or 透明な空気 (tōmei na kūki - clear air, implying purity). The figurative extension is where its depth lies. It can characterize systems, processes, or communication as being free from deception or hidden agendas, such as a 透明な経営 (tōmei na keiei - transparent management) which implies accountability and openness to scrutiny. It can also describe a state of being obvious or unmistakable, like a 透明な成功 (tōmei na seikō - an undeniable success). Mastery of 透明な involves recognizing its contextual flexibility, distinguishing between literal visual clarity and the metaphorical transparency of information, intent, or systems.
The Japanese adjective 透明な (tōmei na) is a rich term that transcends simple visual clarity. Its etymological roots, combining 'to pass through' (透) and 'bright' (明), perfectly capture its essence. While its primary denotation is physical transparency – the unimpeded passage of light, as in 透明な結晶 (tōmei na kesshō - transparent crystal) – its metaphorical applications are extensive and culturally significant. In socio-political contexts, 透明な governance or 透明な報道 (tōmei na hōdō - transparent reporting) signifies a commitment to openness, accountability, and the free flow of information, contrasting sharply with opacity or censorship. It can also describe an intellectual or moral clarity, where intentions and principles are unclouded and readily apparent. The term's usage can even extend to aesthetic appreciation, describing a purity or ethereal quality, akin to 'limpid' or 'crystalline' in English literary contexts. Understanding 透明な at this level involves appreciating its semantic range from the tangible to the ethical, its role in discussions of trust and accountability, and its subtle connotations of purity and obviousness.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'transparent' or 'clear'.
- Used for physical objects (glass, water) and abstract concepts (explanations, policies).
- It's a na-adjective, requiring 'な' before nouns.
- Often implies openness, honesty, and understandability.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 透明な (tōmei na). It's a super useful Japanese adjective that means 'transparent' or 'clear.' Think about a crystal-clear glass of water or a spotless window – that's exactly what 透明な describes! It paints a picture of something so clear that you can see right through it, without any obstruction.
But it's not just about physical clarity! 透明な can also be used metaphorically. Imagine a situation where everything is very open and easy to understand, with no hidden secrets or confusion. In that sense, the situation itself could be described as 透明な. It's like the opposite of something murky or opaque, both literally and figuratively. So, whether you're talking about a physical object or a concept, 透明な helps us convey a sense of openness and visibility.
The word 透明な (tōmei na) comes to us from Chinese characters, which is common in Japanese vocabulary. The characters themselves give us a big clue! 透 (tō) means 'to pass through' or 'to penetrate,' while 明 (mei) means 'bright' or 'clear.' Put them together, and you get the idea of something that is bright because light can pass through it – hence, transparent!
Historically, this word has been used to describe materials that allow light to travel through them. Think of ancient artisans creating beautiful glass or polished crystals; they would have used terms like 透明な to describe their work. Over time, as language evolved, the meaning expanded beyond just physical transparency. Just like in English, where 'clear' can mean 'easy to understand,' 透明な in Japanese also took on this figurative sense. It's fascinating how the core concept of 'passing through' and 'brightness' can apply to both the physical world and our understanding of abstract ideas!
So, how do we actually use 透明な in a sentence? It's pretty straightforward! As an adjective, it usually comes before the noun it modifies. For instance, you might say 透明なガラス (tōmei na garasu) – 'transparent glass.' Or, if you're talking about water, 透明な水 (tōmei na mizu) means 'clear water.' It’s very common to pair it with things that are naturally expected to be clear, like windows or water, but also with manufactured items designed for clarity.
Beyond the literal, remember that 透明な can describe situations or explanations that are easy to grasp. You could say 透明な説明 (tōmei na setsumei) for a 'clear explanation' or 透明なプロセス (tōmei na purosesu) for a 'transparent process.' This usage emphasizes honesty and lack of hidden agendas. When you want to convey that something is straightforward, obvious, or completely visible, 透明な is your go-to word. Just be mindful of the context – usually, the surrounding words will tell you whether you're talking about physical clarity or conceptual clarity!
While 透明な itself isn't typically part of many set idioms in the way some other words are, its meaning is central to several expressions. The core idea of clarity and visibility is key!
1. 透き通るような (sukitōru yō na): This phrase literally means 'like passing through clearly' and is often used to describe a beautiful, clear voice or a pure, unblemished complexion. It emphasizes a pristine, almost ethereal clarity. Example: 彼女は透き通るような声で歌った。(Kanojo wa sukitōru yō na koe de utatta.) - She sang with a crystal-clear voice.
2. お見通しだ (omitōshi da): This expression means 'I can see right through you' or 'I see your intentions.' It implies that someone understands another person's hidden motives or plans, much like seeing through a transparent object to what lies beneath. Example: あなたの嘘はお見通しですよ。(Anata no uso wa omitōshi desu yo.) - I can see right through your lie.
3. 腹の内を見せる (hara no uchi o miseru): While not directly using 透明な, this idiom means 'to show what's inside one's stomach,' metaphorically meaning to reveal one's true feelings or intentions. It's the opposite of being opaque or secretive. Example: 彼はついに腹の内を見せた。(Kare wa tsuini hara no uchi o miseta.) - He finally revealed his true intentions.
4. 雲泥の差 (undei no sa): This idiom means 'a difference as vast as clouds and mud,' signifying a huge, obvious difference. The 'clouds' are high and clear, while 'mud' is opaque and low, highlighting a stark contrast in quality or status. Example: 彼らの実力には雲泥の差がある。(Karera no jitsuryoku ni wa undei no sa ga aru.) - There's a world of difference in their abilities.
These expressions, while not always using the exact word 透明な, tap into its core concepts of clarity, visibility, and understanding versus obscurity and hiddenness.
Pronunciation: The standard pronunciation of 透明な is /toʊˈmeɪ na/. In Japanese, the 'o' sound is long (like 'oh'), the 'ei' is like the 'ay' in 'say,' and the 'na' is straightforward. So, it sounds something like 'toh-MAY nah.'
IPA (British): /təʊˈmeɪ nə/
IPA (American): /toʊˈmeɪ nə/
Stress: The main stress falls on the 'mei' syllable.
Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese can be tricky due to syllable structure, but words ending in '-ei na' or similar sounds might offer near rhymes depending on context and dialect. For example, words ending in sounds like 'mei', 'kei', 'sei' can sometimes create a similar feel.
Grammar: 透明な is a na-adjective (also known as a quasi-adjective). This means it behaves a bit differently from i-adjectives.
- When it modifies a noun directly, you add な (na) before the noun: 透明な + noun (e.g., 透明なコップ - tōmei na koppu - transparent glass).
- When used predicatively (at the end of a sentence), you add だ (da) or です (desu) after it: 透明だ (tōmei da) or 透明です (tōmei desu).
It does not change form for pluralization or tense; its form is consistent. Common pronunciation errors might include shortening the 'o' or 'ei' sounds, or misplacing the stress.
Fun Fact
The concept of transparency was crucial in the development of glassmaking and optics, making this word fundamental to describing scientific and artistic advancements.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'toh-MAY-nuh', with the stress on the second syllable.
Similar to British, 'toh-MAY-nuh', with the stress on 'MAY'.
Common Errors
- Shortening the 'o' in 'tōmei' to sound like 'tomei'.
- Pronouncing 'ei' as a short 'e' sound.
- Adding an unnecessary 'r' sound at the end.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read when used literally, requires more context for figurative use.
Straightforward as a na-adjective, but figurative use needs care.
Easy to pronounce and use in basic sentences.
Generally easy to recognize.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Na-Adjective Conjugation
透明な + Noun; Noun + は + 透明です/だ
Using Particles with Adjectives
透明な + Noun; 透明に + Verb
Expressing Causation (making something transparent)
情報を透明にする (Jōhō o tōmei ni suru) - To make information transparent
Examples by Level
これは透明な箱です。
This is transparent box is.
This + is + transparent + noun.
水は透明な飲み物です。
Water is transparent drink is.
Noun + is + transparent + noun.
窓は透明なガラスです。
Window is transparent glass is.
Noun + is + transparent + noun.
透明なボールが見えます。
Transparent ball see can.
Transparent + noun + verb.
透明な魚がいます。
Transparent fish is there.
Transparent + noun + verb 'to exist'.
このペンは透明です。
This pen is transparent.
This + noun + is + transparent.
透明な袋は便利です。
Transparent bag is convenient.
Transparent + noun + is + adjective.
空は透明に見えます。
Sky is transparent looks.
Noun + is + transparent + verb 'to seem'.
このコップは透明なプラスチックでできています。
This cup is transparent plastic from made is.
Using でできています to indicate material.
透明なファイルに書類を入れました。
Transparent file into documents put (past tense).
Using the past tense of the verb 入れる (ireru).
彼の話はとても透明で分かりやすかった。
His story was very transparent and easy-to-understand (past tense).
Connecting two adjectives with で.
透明な絵の具があれば、もっと自由に描けます。
Transparent paint if exists, more freely draw can.
Using a conditional form (あれば - areba).
透明な意見を言うことを恐れないでください。
Transparent opinion say 's fear please don't.
Using the imperative negative form.
この市場では、価格が透明です。
In this market, prices are transparent.
Describing a situation as transparent.
透明なボールペンは人気があります。
Transparent ballpoint pens are popular.
Plural implied by context, using があります.
透明なレンズを通して世界を見ています。
Transparent lens through world looking am.
Using を通して (o tōshite) - through.
透明な素材は、光をよく通すので、照明器具によく使われます。
Transparent materials, light well pass through because, lighting fixtures for often used are.
Using ので (node) for reason and passive voice.
政府は、より透明な政策決定プロセスを目指しています。
The government, more transparent policy-making process is aiming for.
Using 目指しています (mezashite imasu) - aiming for.
彼の発言は、裏に何か隠しているような、透明さには欠けていた。
His statement, behind something hiding like, transparency lacked.
Using 欠けている (kakete iru) - to lack.
透明なアドバイスを求めたが、彼は曖昧な答えしかくれなかった。
Transparent advice asked for, but he vague answers only gave.
Using しか〜ない (shika...nai) - only.
この古いガラスは、現代の透明なガラスとは異なり、わずかに歪んでいます。
This old glass, modern transparent glass with unlike, slightly is distorted.
Using とは異なり (to wa kotonari) - unlike.
透明なマイクカバーは、音質を損なわずにマイクを保護します。
Transparent microphone cover, sound quality without damaging microphone protects.
Using without damaging (損なわずに - sonawazu ni).
透明な公衆トイレは、安全性を高めるために一部の都市で導入されている。
Transparent public toilets, safety to increase for in some cities are being introduced.
Using 〜ために (tame ni) - for the purpose of.
彼の絵画は、感情をそのまま映し出すような透明感がある。
His paintings, emotions as-is reflect like transparency have.
Using 〜ような (yō na) - like/as if.
企業の透明性は、投資家からの信頼を得る上で不可欠な要素です。
Corporate transparency, from investors trust to gain in indispensable element is.
Using 〜を得る上で (o eru ue de) - in gaining...
この小説では、登場人物の心理描写が極めて透明であり、読者は彼らの思考を追体験できる。
In this novel, the characters' psychological depiction is extremely transparent, readers their thoughts can re-experience.
Using 極めて (kiwamete) - extremely, and 〜追体験できる (tsuitaiiken dekiru) - can re-experience.
透明な政治を実現するためには、情報公開の徹底が求められる。
Transparent politics to realize, information disclosure thoroughness is demanded.
Using 〜を実現するためには (o jitsugen suru tame ni wa) - in order to realize...
彼は、自分の過ちを素直に認め、透明な態度で再出発を図った。
He, his mistakes honestly admitted, transparent attitude with a fresh start attempted.
Using 素直に (sunao ni) - honestly/frankly, and 〜を図った (o hakatta) - attempted/planned.
透明な素材で作られた建築物は、周囲の景観と調和し、軽やかな印象を与える。
Transparent materials made architectural works, surrounding landscape with harmonize, light impression give.
Using 〜と調和し (to chōwa shi) - harmonizing with, and 〜印象を与える (inshō o ataeru) - to give an impression.
その事件の真相は、未だに完全には透明になっていない。
That incident's truth, still completely transparent has not become.
Using 未だに (imada ni) - still/even now, and 〜になっていない (ni natte inai) - has not become.
透明な思考プロセスは、創造性を刺激する上で重要な役割を果たす。
Transparent thought processes, creativity stimulating in important role play.
Using 〜上で (ue de) - in/when doing..., and 〜役割を果たす (yakuwari o hatasu) - to play a role.
彼女の公明正大な取引は、業界内で透明性の模範とされている。
Her fair and square dealings, within the industry transparency's model are considered.
Using 公明正大 (kōmei seidai) - fair and square, and 〜とされている (to sarete iru) - is considered/regarded as.
組織における透明性の欠如は、しばしば不信感と非効率性を招く。
In organizations, transparency's lack, often distrust and inefficiency invites.
Using 欠如 (ketsujo) - lack/deficiency, and 〜を招く (o maneku) - to invite/cause.
彼の芸術は、鑑賞者に直接語りかけるような透明性を持っており、感情の機微を巧みに表現している。
His art, to the viewer directly speaks like transparency possesses, emotional subtleties skillfully expresses.
Using 感情の機微 (kanjō no kibi) - subtleties of emotion, and 巧みに (takumi ni) - skillfully.
透明な社会の実現には、個々人が情報リテラシーを高め、批判的思考を養うことが不可欠である。
Transparent society's realization, requires individuals information literacy to raise, critical thinking to cultivate is essential.
Using 〜を養う (o yashinau) - to cultivate/nurture, and 〜が不可欠である (ga fukaketsu de aru) - is essential.
このドキュメンタリーは、隠された真実を露わにするという点で、ある種の透明性を追求している。
This documentary, hidden truths to reveal in terms of, a certain kind of transparency is pursuing.
Using 〜という点で (to iu ten de) - in terms of/regarding, and 〜を追求している (o tsuikyū shite iru) - is pursuing.
透明なガラスの向こう側には、未来都市の壮大なパノラマが広がっていた。
Transparent glass's beyond, a future city's magnificent panorama was spreading.
Using 向こう側 (mukōgawa) - the other side, and 壮大な (sōdai na) - magnificent/grand.
彼の公的な発言は、しばしば意図的に曖昧にされ、その真意は透明性を欠いている。
His public statements, often intentionally ambiguous made, their true meaning transparency lacks.
Using 〜にされ (ni sare) - passive form of する, and 真意 (shin'i) - true intention.
透明な思考とは、論理的整合性を保ちつつ、既成概念にとらわれない自由な発想を意味する。
Transparent thinking means, logical consistency while maintaining, established notions unbound free ideas.
Using 〜を保ちつつ (o tamochi tsutsu) - while maintaining..., and 〜にとらわれない (ni torawarenai) - not bound by.
このアートインスタレーションは、鑑賞者に作品の制作過程を追体験させることで、一種の透明性を提示している。
This art installation, by making viewers experience the artwork's creation process, a kind of transparency is presenting.
Using 〜させることで (saseru koto de) - by making someone do something.
公的機関における説明責任と透明性の確保は、民主主義社会の根幹をなすものである。
In public institutions, accountability and transparency's assurance, democratic society's foundation forms.
Using 説明責任 (setsumei sekinin) - accountability, and 根幹をなす (konkan o nasu) - to form the foundation.
その作家の文体は、詩的でありながら驚くほどの透明性を持ち、読者の心象風景に直接作用する。
That author's writing style, while poetic, surprising transparency possesses, readers' inner landscapes directly acts upon.
Using 心象風景 (shinshō fūkei) - inner landscape/mind's eye, and 〜に作用する (ni sayō suru) - to act upon.
透明な社会の理想は、情報へのアクセス権の普遍化と、権力の恣意的な行使の抑制によって達成されるべきである。
Transparent society's ideal, information access rights' universalization and, power's arbitrary exercise's restraint by achieved should be.
Using 恣意的 (shiiteki) - arbitrary, and 〜によって達成されるべきである (ni yotte tassei sareru beki de aru) - should be achieved by.
彼の哲学は、存在の本質を剥き出しにするような透明性を追求し、形而上学的な装飾を排している。
His philosophy, existence's essence bare reveals like transparency pursues, metaphysical ornamentation rejects.
Using 形而上学的 (keijijōgaku teki) - metaphysical, and 〜を排している (o haishite iru) - is rejecting/excluding.
最新の建築技術は、構造的な強度を保ちつつ、かつてないほどの透明性を空間にもたらすことを可能にした。
Latest architectural technologies, structural strength while maintaining, unprecedented transparency to spaces bring to enable did.
Using かつてないほど (katsute nai hodo) - to an unprecedented degree.
この法案の条文は、その意図するところを完全に透明化しようと試みているが、解釈の余地を残している。
This bill's articles, its intended purpose completely to make transparent attempts, but room for interpretation leaves.
Using 条文 (jōbun) - article/clause of a law, and 解釈の余地 (kaishaku no yochi) - room for interpretation.
透明なコミュニケーションとは、単に情報を開示するだけでなく、相手の意図や感情を正確に汲み取る能力をも包含する。
Transparent communication, simply information to disclose not only, the other party's intentions and emotions accurately to grasp ability also includes.
Using 〜だけでなく〜をも包含する (dake de naku... o mo hōgan suru) - not only... but also includes...
彼の作品における透明性は、物質的な次元を超え、存在の儚さと永遠性の両義性を暗示しているかのようである。
His works' transparency, material dimension beyond, existence's transience and eternity's duality hints at seems.
Using 両義性 (ryōgisei) - duality/ambiguity, and 〜かのようである (ka no yō de aru) - seems as if.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"お見通しだ (omitōshi da)"
I can see right through you; I understand your intentions.
あなたの企みはお見通しですよ！(Anata no takurami wa omitōshi desu yo!) - I see right through your scheme!
casual/neutral"透き通るような (sukitōru yō na)"
Crystal clear, pure, pristine (often used for voice, complexion, or air).
彼女の歌声は透き通るようだった。(Kanojo no utagoe wa sukitōru yō datta.) - Her singing voice was crystal clear.
neutral/poetic"腹の内を見せる (hara no uchi o miseru)"
To reveal one's true feelings or intentions; to be open.
彼はついに腹の内を見せてくれた。(Kare wa tsuini hara no uchi o misete kureta.) - He finally showed me what he was thinking.
neutral"雲泥の差 (undei no sa)"
A vast difference, like that between clouds and mud; a huge disparity.
二人の実力には雲泥の差がある。(Futari no jitsuryoku ni wa undei no sa ga aru.) - There's a world of difference between their abilities.
formal/neutral"白日の下に晒す (hakujitsu no moto ni sarasu)"
To expose something to broad daylight; to reveal a secret or wrongdoing publicly.
不正を白日の下に晒す必要がある。(Fusei o hakujitsu no moto ni sarasu hitsuyō ga aru.) - It is necessary to expose the corruption to the public.
formal"一点の曇りもない (itten no kumori mo nai)"
Without a speck of cloud; perfectly clear, pure, or honest.
彼の潔白は一点の曇りもない。(Kare no keppaku wa itten no kumori mo nai.) - His innocence is beyond question.
formal/neutralEasily Confused
It's the direct opposite and uses the same root characters.
透明な means see-through, while 不透明な means opaque or not see-through.
透明なガラス vs 不透明な木材 (tōmei na garasu vs futōmei na mokuzai) - Transparent glass vs opaque wood.
Both relate to clarity and being easy to understand.
透明な focuses on physical see-through quality or conceptual openness. 明らかな means obvious, evident, or clear in the sense of being undeniable.
透明な説明 (clear explanation) vs 明らかな間違い (obvious mistake).
Both describe clarity, especially for liquids.
澄んだ often implies purity and cleanness, especially for water, air, or sound. 透明な is more about the physical property of allowing light through.
澄んだ水 (pure water) vs 透明なボトル (transparent bottle).
Both can describe things that are easy to understand.
分かりやすい specifically means 'easy to understand,' usually referring to explanations, instructions, or language. 透明な can mean this, but also physical transparency.
分かりやすい説明 (easy-to-understand explanation) vs 透明な説明 (clear/open explanation).
Sentence Patterns
Noun は 透明な + Noun です。
この箱は透明なプラスチックです。(Kono hako wa tōmei na purasuchikku desu.) - This box is transparent plastic.
Noun は 透明です。
水は透明です。(Mizu wa tōmei desu.) - Water is clear.
Noun を 透明にする。
会議の内容を透明にする。(Kaigi no naiyō o tōmei ni suru.) - To make the meeting's content transparent.
Noun + は 透明さ を 欠いている。
彼の態度は透明さを欠いていた。(Kare no taido wa tōmei sa o kaiteite ita.) - His attitude lacked transparency.
Noun + は 透明性 が ある / ない。
このシステムには透明性がある。(Kono shisutemu ni wa tōmei sei ga aru.) - This system has transparency.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While 透明な can mean clear/understandable, 明らかな specifically means 'obvious' or 'evident.' Using 透明な for 'obvious mistake' can sound slightly unnatural.
Na-adjectives require な when directly modifying a noun. Forgetting it, like saying 透明ガラス, is incorrect.
While very close, 透き通った can sometimes carry a more poetic or intense sense of clarity, especially for liquids or sounds.
透明な means clear and understandable, not difficult. If something is hard to understand, use 難しい or 複雑な.
Japanese long vowels are important for meaning. Rushing can make it sound like 'tomei na', which is incorrect.
Tips
Visualize the 'O-MEI' Window
Picture a large window. Say 'Oh, my!' ('O-mei!') as you look through it because it's so perfectly clear and transparent!
Think Beyond Glass
Remember that 透明な isn't just for glass or water. Use it for clear explanations, open policies, or straightforward situations to sound more natural.
Value of Openness
In Japanese society, transparency (透明性 - tōmei sei) is increasingly valued, especially in business and government, reflecting a global trend towards honesty and accountability.
Na-Adjective Rule
Don't forget the な (na) when 透明な comes before a noun! It's a key feature of na-adjectives.
Long Vowel Power
Make sure to pronounce the 'ō' and 'ei' sounds in 'tōmei' clearly and hold them slightly longer than normal vowels. This is crucial in Japanese!
Avoid 'Transparent Mistake'
For 'obvious mistake,' use 明らかな (akiraka na) instead of 透明な (tōmei na) for better nuance.
Invisible Man's Secret
The Japanese word for 'invisible man' is 透明人間 (tōmei ningen), literally 'transparent person'! It highlights how transparency relates to being unseen.
Compare and Contrast
Learn 透明な alongside its antonyms like 不透明な (futōmei na) and similar words like 明らかな (akiraka na) and 澄んだ (sunda) to grasp its precise meaning and usage.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'TO ME, IT'S A' clear window. 'TO ME, IT'S A' - transparent!
Visual Association
Picture a perfectly clear glass vase filled with bright, colorful flowers, so clear you can see every detail of the vase's structure.
Word Web
Challenge
Find five objects around you that are <strong>透明な</strong> and say the word out loud each time.
Word Origin
Chinese (漢語 - Kango)
Original meaning: The characters mean 'pass through' (透) and 'bright/clear' (明), literally meaning 'brightly passing through'.
Cultural Context
Generally, the word is neutral. However, in contexts like 'transparent intentions,' it implies honesty, so claiming something is 'transparent' when it's not could be seen as deceptive.
In English-speaking cultures, transparency is highly valued in government and business, often linked to concepts of honesty, accountability, and trust. The word 'transparent' carries strong positive connotations in these contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing materials
- 透明なガラス (tōmei na garasu) - Transparent glass
- 透明なプラスチック (tōmei na purasuchikku) - Transparent plastic
- 透明な液体 (tōmei na ekitai) - Clear liquid
Talking about environment/nature
- 透明な空気 (tōmei na kūki) - Clear air
- 透明な水 (tōmei na mizu) - Clear water
- 澄んだ透明な空 (sunda tōmei na sora) - Clear, transparent sky
Discussing information and policies
- 透明な説明 (tōmei na setsumei) - Clear explanation
- 透明なプロセス (tōmei na purosesu) - Transparent process
- 透明な政策 (tōmei na seisaku) - Transparent policy
Figurative meanings (honesty, openness)
- 透明な態度 (tōmei na taido) - Open attitude
- 透明な意図 (tōmei na ito) - Transparent intentions
- 透明性を求める (tōmei sei o motomeru) - To demand transparency
Conversation Starters
"What's something you own that's made of 透明な material?"
"Can you think of a situation where 透明性 (transparency) is really important?"
"If you could have one superpower related to transparency, what would it be?"
"Describe a place you've visited where the water was incredibly 透明な."
"How important is 透明な communication in building trust?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time when clear, 透明な communication made a big difference.
Describe an object in your room using the word 透明な.
Reflect on the importance of transparency in your daily life or work.
Imagine a world where everything was literally 透明な. What would be the pros and cons?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it can also be used figuratively to describe things that are clear, obvious, or easy to understand, like explanations or policies.
透明な means physically see-through or conceptually clear. 明らかな means obvious or evident, focusing on something being easy to perceive or understand.
As a na-adjective, it's used as '透明な + noun' (e.g., 透明な箱 - transparent box) or '透明です/だ' at the end of a sentence (e.g., 箱は透明です - The box is transparent).
Yes, the most direct opposite is 不透明な (futōmei na), meaning opaque. Others include 曖昧な (aimai na - vague) and 隠された (kakusareta - hidden).
While less common than for liquids or visuals, it can sometimes be used poetically or in specific contexts to describe a pure, clear sound, often alongside 澄んだ (sunda).
It literally means 'transparent person' and is the Japanese term for an 'invisible man'.
Generally positive, implying clarity, honesty, and lack of deception. However, context matters; something being 'too transparent' might imply a lack of privacy.
They are very similar. 透き通った often emphasizes a deeper, purer, or more intense level of clarity, sometimes with a more poetic nuance.
Test Yourself
このコップは ______ ガラスでできています。
The sentence describes a glass cup made of a material you can see through.
Which word means 'transparent'?
透明な specifically means transparent or clear.
A rock is typically described as 透明な.
Rocks are opaque, the opposite of 透明な (transparent).
Word
Meaning
Matching English phrases to their Japanese equivalents, highlighting different nuances of clarity.
The correct order is 'Motto tōmei na setsumei o onegaishimasu' (Please give a clearer explanation).
政府は、より ______ な政策決定プロセスを目指している。
The context implies a desire for open and clear policy-making, hence 'transparent'.
Which phrase best describes a government that is open about its actions?
透明な government implies openness and accountability.
The expression 'お見通しだ (omitōshi da)' means 'I cannot see through you'.
'お見通しだ' means 'I can see right through you,' implying understanding of someone's hidden intentions.
公的機関における説明責任と ______ の確保は、民主主義社会の根幹をなす。
Accountability and transparency are fundamental pillars of democracy.
彼の芸術は、鑑賞者に直接語りかけるような ______ を持っており、感情の機微を巧みに表現している。
The sentence describes art that speaks directly to the viewer, implying a clear and accessible quality, hence 'transparency'.
Score: /10
Summary
透明な (tōmei na) describes both physical see-through qualities and the abstract clarity of information or intentions.
- Means 'transparent' or 'clear'.
- Used for physical objects (glass, water) and abstract concepts (explanations, policies).
- It's a na-adjective, requiring 'な' before nouns.
- Often implies openness, honesty, and understandability.
Visualize the 'O-MEI' Window
Picture a large window. Say 'Oh, my!' ('O-mei!') as you look through it because it's so perfectly clear and transparent!
Think Beyond Glass
Remember that 透明な isn't just for glass or water. Use it for clear explanations, open policies, or straightforward situations to sound more natural.
Value of Openness
In Japanese society, transparency (透明性 - tōmei sei) is increasingly valued, especially in business and government, reflecting a global trend towards honesty and accountability.
Na-Adjective Rule
Don't forget the な (na) when 透明な comes before a noun! It's a key feature of na-adjectives.
Example
このガラスは非常に透明で、向こう側がはっきりと見える。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
