Translation guide
The English word 'transparent' can describe physical clarity, honesty, or organizational openness. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing objects or materials that you can see through clearly.
The most common and neutral word for 'transparent'. Used for glass, plastic, water, etc.
このガラスは透明です。
This glass is transparent.
透明なプラスチックの容器を買った。
I bought a transparent plastic container.
Emphasizes clarity and purity, often used for water, glass, or skin. Slightly more poetic than 透明.
透き通った水が流れている。
Transparent water is flowing.
Loanword from English, used in casual or technical contexts, often for audio or visual clarity.
このイヤホンは音がクリアだ。
These earphones have transparent (clear) sound.
Describing a person, action, or process that is frank and without secrets.
Means 'frank' or 'straightforward'. Used for honest communication.
率直な意見を聞かせてください。
Please give me your transparent (honest) opinion.
Literally 'not hiding things'. Describes a person who is open and transparent.
彼は隠し事をしない人だ。
He is a transparent person (he doesn't hide anything).
Loanword meaning 'open', often used for personalities or communication styles.
彼女はとてもオープンな性格だ。
She has a very transparent (open) personality.
Describing governments, companies, or processes that are open to scrutiny.
The noun form meaning 'transparency' in governance or business. Often used with 高い (high) or 確保する (ensure).
政府の透明性を高める必要がある。
We need to increase government transparency.
While 透明な人 is sometimes used metaphorically in literature, it can sound odd or poetic. For describing a person as honest/open, use 率直な or オープンな instead.
彼は透明な人だ。
He is a transparent person. (unnatural unless poetic)
Literally 'information disclosure'. Refers to transparency through releasing information.
会社は情報公開を進めている。
The company is promoting transparency (information disclosure).