Translation and Meaning of: 明瞭 - meiryou

The word 「明瞭」 (meiryō) is composed of two kanji: 「明」 and 「瞭」。 The first kanji, 「明」 (mei), carries meanings related to clarity and illumination, often associated with light, brightness, and understanding. The second kanji, 「瞭」 (ryō), refers to clear perception or discernment. The combination of these two characters forms the idea of something that is clear and easy to understand, both in a literal and figurative sense, such as in concepts, ideas, or statements.

In the Japanese language, 「明瞭」 is used to describe the clarity of a subject or situation. It can refer to clear speech, an easy-to-understand explanation, or any concept that leaves no room for doubt. It is a word frequently used in educational contexts, in presentations, and in any situation where communication needs to be effective and precise.

The origin of the word dates back to the roots of Chinese kanji, which have been incorporated into the Japanese language over the centuries. The kanji 「明」 is part of the radicals associated with light and illumination, suggesting a sense of revelation or unveiling. Meanwhile, the kanji 「瞭」 points to visual discernment, related to the ability to recognize or perceive. This combination reflects a cultural pursuit of clarity and understanding, values that are highly esteemed in Japanese society.

In terms of variation, 「明瞭」 can be contrasted with words that indicate a lack of clarity, such as 「曖昧」 (aimai), which means ambiguity or uncertainty. The choice of words like 「明瞭」 in intentional communications highlights the commitment to transparency and precision. In formal, academic, and professional documents, this expression is often preferred to ensure that the message is conveyed unequivocally.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

明確 (Meikaku) - Clarity and precision; something that is clearly defined.
明晰 (Meiseki) - Mental clarity, sharpness; often used in intellectual contexts.
明快 (Meikai) - Clarity and vividness; generally used to describe explanations or speeches that are clear and straightforward.
明朗 (Meirou) - Clarity and joy; often used to describe a positive environment or state of mind.
明瞭 (Meiryou) - Clarity and understanding; used to describe something that is easily comprehensible.
明白 (Meihaku) - Clarity and evidence; something that is clearly understood or evident.