Meaning and Usage
"明瞭" (めいりょう) means "clarity" or "clearness," often used to describe speech, writing, or explanations that are easy to understand. It is a formal word commonly found in written and spoken Japanese at higher proficiency levels.
Common Contexts
You will often see "明瞭" used in contexts such as presentations, contracts, instructions, or language learning, where clarity is essential. It emphasizes that the information is presented without ambiguity.
Collocations and Patterns
- 明瞭な説明 (めいりょうなせつめい): clear explanation
- 明瞭に話す (めいりょうにはなす): to speak clearly
- 明瞭な発音 (めいりょうなはつおん): clear pronunciation
- 明瞭に書く (めいりょうにかく): to write clearly
These collocations highlight the focus on communication clarity.
Register and Nuance
"明瞭" is a formal and somewhat literary term, suitable for academic, business, or official contexts. It is less common in casual conversation, where simpler words like "はっきり" might be preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "明瞭" with "明るい" (bright) or "明白" (obvious). Remember that "明瞭" specifically refers to clarity in communication or understanding, not brightness or obviousness.