Meaning and Usage
"明白" (めいはく) is a formal adjective meaning "clear" or "obvious." It is often used in written or formal spoken Japanese to emphasize that something is unmistakably evident or understandable.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "明白" used in legal, academic, or serious discussions where clarity and certainty are important, such as "明白な証拠" (clear evidence) or "明白な事実" (obvious fact).
Collocations and Patterns
- 明白な理由 (clear reason): used to explain a definite cause.
- 明白な証拠 (clear evidence): common in legal or investigative contexts.
- 意図が明白だ (intention is clear): expressing that someone's purpose is obvious.
Register and Nuance
"明白" carries a formal tone and is less common in casual conversation, where words like "はっきり" or "わかりやすい" might be preferred.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "明白" with more casual expressions of clarity. Remember that "明白" is best reserved for formal or written contexts to avoid sounding unnatural in everyday speech.