清晰

• Pinyin: qīng xī
• Hanzi breakdown: 清 = 氵+ 青 (clear); 晰 = 日 + 析 (distinct/clear)

Meaning

Clear; distinct; easy to see, hear, or understand. Describes images, sounds, thoughts, or expressions that are sharp and unambiguous.

One of the most common adjectives for clarity in Mandarin. Applies to visual clarity (图像清晰), auditory clarity (声音清晰), and cognitive clarity (思路清晰). The opposite is 模糊 (blurry/vague). Widely used in technology, education, and everyday speech.

Examples

1. 新型显示屏的画质极为清晰，即便是细小的文字也能一览无余。 The new display has extremely sharp image quality, so even tiny text is easy to read.
2. 发言人的表述条理清晰，每一项政策要点都得到了充分而到位的阐释。 The spokesperson’s remarks were well organized and clear, with each key policy point explained fully and effectively.
3. 尽管年岁已高，老人对往事的记忆依然清晰如初，令在场的年轻人深感敬佩。 Even though he’s advanced in age, the elderly man’s memories of the past are still crystal clear, earning the deep admiration of the young people present.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, communication, cognition, visual arts

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这份研究报告逻辑清晰、论据充分，获得了评审委员会的一致好评。(This research report has clear logic and substantial evidence, earning unanimous praise from the review committee.)
• 请用清晰简洁的语言阐明你的核心论点，避免不必要的术语堆砌。(Please articulate your core argument in clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon.)

Don't Say

• 他的心情很清晰 — use 明朗 or 舒畅 for a clear, bright mood; 清晰 describes perceptual or cognitive clarity, not emotional state

Origin & History

清 (clear/pure) + 晰 (distinct/clear) — doubly reinforced clarity

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal