明朗

• Reading: めいろう
• Romaji: meirou
• Kanji breakdown: 明 (mei) — bright, clear; 朗 (rou) — cheerful, clear, bright
• Pronunciation: /meː.ɾoː/

Meaning

Cheerful; bright; sunny in disposition. Describes a person or atmosphere that is open and uplifting.

A na-adjective with two related uses. For personality: 明朗な性格 (cheerful character) — someone who is open, positive, and radiates warmth. For transparency: 明朗会計 (transparent accounting) — clear and honest with nothing hidden. The personality meaning is more common in everyday use.

Examples

1. 彼女は明朗な性格で、周りの人を元気にする。 She has a cheerful personality and lifts everyone's spirits.
2. あの店は明朗会計なので安心して利用できる。 That store has transparent pricing, so you can use it with confidence.
3. 明朗な笑い声が教室に響いた。 A bright, cheerful laugh echoed through the classroom.

Usage Guide

Context: personality description, business, writing

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 明 (mei, bright) + 朗 (rou, clear/cheerful). 朗 contains the moon radical (月), evoking the image of a bright, clear moon illuminating the night — an open brightness with nothing concealed.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal