明らか

• Reading: あきらか
• Romaji: akiraka
• Kanji breakdown: 明 (mei/aki) — bright, clear
• Pronunciation: /a.ki.ɾa.ka/

Meaning

Clear; obvious; evident. Used to describe something plainly apparent or beyond doubt.

A na-adjective that modifies nouns with な (明らかな事実, a clear fact) and can also be used adverbially with に (明らかに間違っている, clearly wrong). Often appears in formal writing, news, and academic contexts. Stronger and more definitive than はっきり.

Examples

1. 彼の説明には明らかな矛盾がある。 There is a clear contradiction in his explanation.
2. このデータから結果は明らかになった。 The results became clear from this data.
3. 明らかに彼女のほうが正しいと思う。 I think she is clearly the one who's right.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, news, discussion

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 明 (mei/aki, bright/clear) and the suffix らか, forming an adjective meaning 'in a state of brightness/clarity.' The kanji 明 depicts the sun and moon together, symbolising light.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal