Translation guide
The adverb 'distinctly' is used to emphasize that something is clearly noticeable, different, or separate. This guide covers how to express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
To say that something can be seen, heard, felt, or understood in a way that is unmistakable and clear.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'clearly' or 'distinctly'. Works for seeing, hearing, speaking, remembering, etc.
遠くの山がはっきり見える。
I can see the distant mountains distinctly.
彼の声がはっきり聞こえた。
I could hear his voice distinctly.
Often used for visual clarity, especially when something stands out against a background or is sharply defined.
富士山が青空にくっきり見える。
Mt. Fuji stands out distinctly against the blue sky.
More formal, often used for abstract things like distinctions, definitions, or statements. Implies precision and lack of ambiguity.
その違いを明確に説明してください。
Please explain the difference distinctly.
Used for vivid recollection or imagination, as if seeing something clearly in the mind's eye.
その光景がありありと目に浮かぶ。
I can distinctly picture that scene.
To emphasize that two or more things are clearly different from each other, or that something is done in a separate, individual manner.
With the particle と, it often emphasizes the distinctness of a difference or separation.
彼の意見は私のとはっきりと違う。
His opinion is distinctly different from mine.
Again, for formal or abstract distinctions.
二つの概念は明確に区別されるべきだ。
The two concepts should be distinctly separated.
Means 'separately' or 'individually'. Can be used when actions are done distinctly for each item.
それぞれの問題を別々に考えよう。
Let's consider each problem distinctly.
Used to intensify an adjective, meaning 'very' or 'remarkably'. Often with a sense of being clearly so.
Means 'obviously' or 'clearly'. Works well when 'distinctly' means 'undeniably'.
彼は明らかに動揺していた。
He was distinctly upset.
Can also be used for emphasis, similar to 'clearly'.
その料理ははっきりと辛かった。
The dish was distinctly spicy.
Means 'indeed', 'truly', or 'typically'. Can convey that something is distinctly characteristic.
はっきり is the most general and can be used for any sense (sight, sound, memory). くっきり is mainly visual, emphasizing sharp outlines or contrast. 明確に is formal and used for abstract clarity (definitions, distinctions).
声がはっきり聞こえる。
The voice is heard distinctly.
山の輪郭がくっきり見える。
The outline of the mountain is seen distinctly.
ルールを明確に定める。
Define the rules distinctly.
ドアに鍵をかけたのをはっきり覚えている。
I distinctly remember locking the door.
その二つの種ははっきりと異なる。
The two species are distinctly different.
彼女はとてもはっきりと話した。
She spoke very distinctly.
いかにも彼らしい発言だ。
That's a distinctly him remark.