How to say "distinct" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 鮮明せんめいna-adjective, nounCovers 'distinct' in the sense 'vivid and sharply defined': a distinct memory, a distinct image, distinct colors. It stresses how sharply something strikes the senses or comes back to mind.
- 明瞭めいりょうna-adjective, nounMatches 'distinct' meaning plainly perceptible to the eye or ear: distinct enunciation, clearly legible writing. It describes clarity that leaves no blur or doubt about what is being said or shown.
- 明晰めいせきna-adjective, nounCovers 'distinct' as clarity of the mind: clear and distinct ideas, lucid thinking or argument. Use it when the clarity belongs to thought or reasoning rather than to what the senses perceive.
- 歴然れきぜんtaru-adjective, adverb (with と)Matches 'distinct' in the sense 'evident, unmistakable': a distinct difference between two things, a plainly evident fact. It presents the clarity as so plain that it can hardly be disputed.
- 明確めいかくna-adjectiveCovers 'distinct' meaning clear-cut and definite: a distinct answer, purpose, or boundary. It stresses that something is precisely defined and free of vagueness — the word when 'distinct' amounts to 'well defined'.
All five render 'distinct' in its 'clear' senses rather than 'separate': 鮮明 for vivid images and memories, 明瞭 for plainly discernible speech or writing, 明晰 for clarity of thought, 歴然 for unmistakably evident facts, 明確 for precise, definite statements.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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