A2 Collocation Neutral 3 min de lectura

spécialement clair

spécialement clear

Literalmente: specially clear

Use it to praise an explanation that is exceptionally easy to follow or a very bright space.

En 15 segundos

  • Used to describe something remarkably easy to understand or very bright.
  • Combines an intensifier with the French cultural value of clarity.
  • Works perfectly in both professional meetings and casual daily life.

Significado

This phrase is used to describe something that is exceptionally easy to understand or visually luminous. It is like saying something is 'crystal clear' or 'remarkably bright' depending on the context.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

After a complex work presentation

Votre présentation était spécialement claire, merci.

Your presentation was especially clear, thank you.

💼
2

Looking at the sea on a sunny day

L'eau est spécialement claire ce matin.

The water is especially clear this morning.

😊
3

Texting a friend about directions

Tes explications sont spécialement claires, je vais trouver facilement.

Your directions are especially clear, I'll find it easily.

🤝
🌍

Contexto cultural

The French obsession with clarity stems from the Enlightenment era and philosophers like Descartes. To be 'clair' is to be logical and civilized. Using 'spécialement' adds a modern emphasis that is very common in contemporary professional French.

💡

The 'Limpide' Alternative

If you want to sound even more French, use 'C'est limpide'. It literally means 'limpid' but is used constantly for clear ideas.

⚠️

Watch the Gender

If you are describing a feminine noun (like 'une explication'), you must add an 'e' to make it 'claire'. The adverb 'spécialement' never changes!

En 15 segundos

  • Used to describe something remarkably easy to understand or very bright.
  • Combines an intensifier with the French cultural value of clarity.
  • Works perfectly in both professional meetings and casual daily life.

What It Means

Spécialement clair is a powerful little duo. The adverb spécialement acts as a booster for the adjective clair. It tells your listener that something isn't just clear—it is notably, remarkably, or even surprisingly clear. You can use it for physical light, like a sunny day. You can also use it for ideas, like a teacher's explanation that finally makes sense.

How To Use It

Place it after the noun or verb you are describing. If you are talking about a concept, use it with the verb être. For example: "C'est spécialement clair." It works just like 'especially clear' in English. It is a great way to show you are paying attention. It proves you have fully grasped a difficult concept. Use it when you want to give a compliment to a speaker. It makes them feel like a genius communicator.

When To Use It

Use it in a meeting when a colleague finishes a presentation. It is perfect for texting a friend directions to a party. Use it when looking at a beautiful, cloudless sky in the Alps. It fits well in academic writing or professional emails too. If someone explains a complex board game rule, this is your go-to phrase. It signals that the 'fog' in your brain has totally lifted.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for things that are naturally simple. Saying 1+1=2 is spécialement clair sounds sarcastic or weird. Avoid it in very slangy, street-level conversations. In those cases, you might just say "C'est carré" (It's square/settled). Don't use it to describe people's personalities. It is for ideas, instructions, or physical light, not someone's character. Also, avoid it if you are actually confused—it will lead to major misunderstandings!

Cultural Background

French culture values 'la clarté' (clarity) above almost everything else in communication. There is a famous saying: "Ce qui n'est pas clair n'est pas français." This means "What is not clear is not French." By using spécialement clair, you are tapping into this deep cultural love for logic. You are praising the person for being a 'good' French communicator. It shows you value precision and intellectual elegance.

Common Variations

  • Particulièrement clair: A slightly more formal way to say the same thing.
  • Cristallin: Used for water or voices that are 'crystal clear'.
  • Lumineux: Used for an idea that is so clear it feels like a lightbulb moment.
  • C'est limpide: A very common, slightly more sophisticated alternative to clair.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. Just remember to agree the adjective 'clair' with the noun it describes (clair/claire/clairs/claires).

💡

The 'Limpide' Alternative

If you want to sound even more French, use 'C'est limpide'. It literally means 'limpid' but is used constantly for clear ideas.

⚠️

Watch the Gender

If you are describing a feminine noun (like 'une explication'), you must add an 'e' to make it 'claire'. The adverb 'spécialement' never changes!

💬

The French 'No'

French people often use the negative to mean the positive. 'C'est pas mal clair' can actually mean it is very clear!

Ejemplos

6
#1 After a complex work presentation
💼

Votre présentation était spécialement claire, merci.

Your presentation was especially clear, thank you.

A professional way to show appreciation for good communication.

#2 Looking at the sea on a sunny day
😊

L'eau est spécialement claire ce matin.

The water is especially clear this morning.

Refers to the physical transparency of the water.

#3 Texting a friend about directions
🤝

Tes explications sont spécialement claires, je vais trouver facilement.

Your directions are especially clear, I'll find it easily.

Reassures the friend that they did a good job explaining.

#4 A student talking to a teacher
👔

Ce chapitre est devenu spécialement clair grâce à vous.

This chapter became especially clear thanks to you.

A polite way to show academic progress.

#5 Being sarcastic about a messy room
😄

Ce n'est pas spécialement clair où je dois m'asseoir ici !

It's not especially clear where I should sit here!

Using the negative for a humorous, slightly annoyed effect.

#6 Explaining a difficult emotional boundary
💭

Je veux être spécialement clair sur mes sentiments.

I want to be especially clear about my feelings.

Used to emphasize the importance of being understood in a relationship.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best word to complete the sentence praising a clear map.

Le plan de la ville est ___ clair.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: spécialement

You need the adverb 'spécialement' to modify the adjective 'clair'.

How would you say 'It is especially clear'?

___ spécialement clair.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: C'est

'C'est' is the standard way to introduce a general statement or observation in French.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Scale of 'Clair'

Informal

Short and blunt

C'est clair.

Neutral

Polite and descriptive

C'est spécialement clair.

Formal

Sophisticated and precise

C'est d'une clarté exemplaire.

When to use 'Spécialement Clair'

Spécialement Clair
☀️

Weather

A cloudless sky

🎓

Education

A math lesson

💼

Business

A project brief

🏔️

Nature

Mountain water

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means 'especially clear' or 'remarkably easy to understand'. You use it when something stands out for its clarity.

Not really. You wouldn't say a person is spécialement clair. You would say their speech or their eyes are clairs.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.

Yes, in this context it does. It can also mean 'specifically' in other sentences, like C'est fait spécialement pour toi (It's made specifically for you).

Add an 'e' to the end of clair to get claire. For example: Une consigne spécialement claire.

Yes! You can say a color is spécialement clair, like a very light blue: un bleu spécialement clair.

The opposite would be particulièrement confus (particularly confusing) or très sombre (very dark).

It is very common, especially in professional or educational settings where understanding is key.

Yes, très clair is fine, but spécialement clair sounds more precise and emphatic.

No, it sounds natural. It’s a standard way to add emphasis to how well you understood something.

Frases relacionadas

C'est limpide

It's crystal clear (very common)

C'est lumineux

It's brilliant/enlightening

C'est parlant

It speaks for itself / It's clear

C'est du gâteau

It's a piece of cake (easy)

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