Meaning and Usage
"明確" (めいかく) means "clear" or "definite" and is often used to describe something that is unambiguous or precisely defined. It is a formal word commonly used in written and spoken Japanese, especially in business, legal, or academic contexts.
Common Collocations
- 明確な説明 (めいかくなせつめい): clear explanation
- 明確な条件 (めいかくなじょうけん): definite conditions
- 目標を明確にする (もくひょうをめいかくにする): to clarify goals
These collocations emphasize clarity and precision, which is why "明確" is often used when you want to stress that something is well-defined or easy to understand.
Nuance and Register
"明確" carries a formal tone and is less casual than words like "はっきり" (clearly). It is appropriate in professional or academic settings. When speaking casually, people might prefer simpler expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "明確" with "明白" (めいはく), which also means "clear" but often implies obviousness or self-evidence. Use "明確" when emphasizing precision or definiteness rather than just obviousness.