Overview
The Japanese word '透明' (tōmei) is a na-adjective that directly translates to 'transparent' or 'clear'. It is a versatile term used to describe objects, substances, or even abstract concepts that allow light to pass through them without significant obstruction, or that are easily understood and free from ambiguity.
Etymology and Kanji:
- 透 (tō): This kanji means 'transparent,' 'to show through,' or 'to permeate.' It conveys the idea of something being able to pass through or be seen through.
- 明 (mei): This kanji means 'bright,' 'clear,' 'light,' or 'understandable.' It emphasizes the clarity and visibility aspect.
Together, these kanji beautifully combine to form '透明,' literally encapsulating the concept of 'clear showing through' or 'bright transparency.'
Grammatical Usage (na-adjective):
As a na-adjective, '透明' follows specific grammatical rules in Japanese:
- 1Before a Noun: When modifying a noun, '透明' is followed by the particle 'な (na)'.
- Example: 透明なガラス (tōmei na garasu) - transparent glass
- Example: 透明な水 (tōmei na mizu) - clear water
- 1As a Predicate (describing the subject): When '透明' acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the subject, it is followed by 'だ (da)' (casual) or 'です (desu)' (polite).
- Example: このガラスは透明だ。 (Kono garasu wa tōmei da.) - This glass is transparent.
- Example: その水はとても透明です。 (Sono mizu wa totemo tōmei desu.) - That water is very clear.
- 1Adverbial Usage (modifying a verb or adjective): To use '透明' adverbially, meaning 'transparently' or 'clearly,' you would typically use '透明に (tōmei ni)'.
- Example: 彼は透明に物事を説明した。 (Kare wa tōmei ni monogoto o setsumei shita.) - He explained things clearly (transparently).
Common Applications and Nuances:
- Physical Transparency: This is the most common use, referring to materials like glass, plastic, water, or air that you can see through.
- 透明なプラスチックの容器 (tōmei na purasuchikku no yōki) - transparent plastic container
- Clarity of Liquids: Often used to describe water or other liquids that are free from cloudiness or impurities.
- 湧き水の透明な流れ (wakimizu no tōmei na nagare) - the clear flow of spring water
- Figurative or Abstract Clarity: '透明' can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is clear, obvious, or easily understood, without hidden motives or ambiguity.
- 透明な経営 (tōmei na keiei) - transparent management (meaning open and honest business practices)
- 透明性のある政策 (tōmei sei no aru seisaku) - policy with transparency (a policy that is clear and easy to understand)
Related Terms and Synonyms:
While '透明' is quite direct, some related terms offer slightly different nuances:
- 澄んだ (sunda): This is the past tense of the verb '澄む (sumu),' meaning 'to become clear/pure.' It is often used for liquids, air, or sounds to indicate a state of being clear, serene, or pure. It implies a natural clarity.
- 澄んだ空気 (sunda kūki) - clear air
- 澄んだ目 (sunda me) - clear eyes (often implying innocence)
- クリア (kuria): This is a loanword from English 'clear' and is widely used, especially in more modern contexts or for abstract clarity (e.g., clear sound, clear instructions).
- クリアな音 (kuria na oto) - clear sound
- 見やすい (miyasu-i): Meaning 'easy to see,' this focuses on the ease of visual perception rather than inherent transparency.
- 判然 (hanzen): A more formal term meaning 'clear,' 'distinct,' or 'obvious,' often used for intellectual clarity.
In summary, '透明' is a fundamental Japanese adjective for expressing transparency and clarity, applicable to both physical and abstract concepts. Its correct usage with 'な' or 'です/だ' is crucial for grammatical accuracy.
例句
透明なガラスのコップ。
Describes a transparent object.A transparent glass cup.
その政策は透明性が高い。
Describes the transparency of a policy or system.That policy has high transparency.
彼女の声は透明感がある。
Describes the clear or pure quality of a sound or voice.Her voice has a sense of clarity.
透明な液体が容器に入っている。
Describes a clear liquid.A clear liquid is in the container.
会議の議事録は透明に公開されるべきだ。
Emphasizes the importance of transparency in public disclosure.The meeting minutes should be publicly disclosed with transparency.
常见搭配
容易混淆的词
语法模式
如何使用
使用说明
The Japanese word '透明' (tōmei) is a 'na-adjective,' meaning it functions similarly to an adjective in English, but it requires the particle 'な' (na) when directly preceding a noun. For example, '透明な水' (tōmei na mizu) means 'transparent water.' When used predicatively, it often takes 'だ' (da) in informal speech or 'です' (desu) in formal speech, such as 'このガラスは透明だ/です' (kono garasu wa tōmei da/desu), meaning 'This glass is transparent.' It can also be used as an adverb by adding 'に' (ni), though this is less common for '透明' itself, which more frequently acts as a noun modifier or predicate. The word primarily describes physical transparency, like that of glass, water, or air. However, metaphorically, it can refer to clarity in concepts, such as '透明な議論' (tōmei na giron), meaning 'transparent discussion,' implying openness and lack of hidden agendas. When discussing a clear mental state or a situation that is easy to understand, while '透明' could be used, other words like '明瞭' (meiryō - clear, distinct) or '明白' (meihaku - obvious, plain) might be more common or precise depending on the nuance.
常见错误
Some learners confuse 透明 (tōmei) with 明確 (meikaku - clear, precise, definite) or 澄んだ (sunda - clear, transparent, as in water or sky). While similar, 透明 specifically refers to physical transparency, allowing light to pass through. 明確 is more about clarity of meaning or facts, and 澄んだ often describes a natural clarity.
小贴士
Usage Tip
Common Mistake
Example Sentence
词源
The word 透明 (tōmei) is a compound of two kanji: 透 (tō), meaning 'to be transparent, to show through,' and 明 (mei), meaning 'bright, clear.' The combination of these kanji directly conveys the meaning of something that is clear enough for light to pass through, thus appearing bright and allowing visibility.
文化背景
In Japan, the concept of '透明' (tōmei) goes beyond a simple descriptor of physical clarity; it often carries philosophical and aesthetic connotations. For instance, in traditional Japanese aesthetics, particularly in the appreciation of nature and art, 'transparency' can relate to a sense of purity, simplicity, and unadulterated beauty. This can be seen in the design of traditional Japanese gardens, where water features are often kept pristine to reflect the sky and surroundings clearly, embodying a form of natural transparency. Furthermore, in social contexts, '透明性' (tōmeisei), meaning 'transparency' or 'openness,' is a valued quality in communication and governance, emphasizing honesty and straightforwardness, which aligns with a broader cultural preference for clarity and directness, even if expressed through nuanced social cues. The idea of something being 'transparent' can also imply a lack of hidden motives or complexities, suggesting a straightforward and honest character or situation.
记忆技巧
The two kanji in '透明' mean 'transparent' (透) and 'clear/bright' (明). Imagine looking *through* something to see the *light* clearly.
常见问题
4 个问题自我测试
このガラスはとても____で、向こう側がはっきり見えます。
彼女の説明は____で、誰もが理解できました。
その問題は____に解決され、皆が納得しました。
得分: /3
Usage Tip
Common Mistake
Example Sentence
例句
5 / 5透明なガラスのコップ。
A transparent glass cup.
その政策は透明性が高い。
That policy has high transparency.
彼女の声は透明感がある。
Her voice has a sense of clarity.
透明な液体が容器に入っている。
A clear liquid is in the container.
会議の議事録は透明に公開されるべきだ。
The meeting minutes should be publicly disclosed with transparency.
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多自然词汇
~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.