분명하다
To be clear, distinct, and leave no room for doubt. It is used in academic writing to present clear arguments or findings.
Examples
3 of 5목표가 분명해야 성공할 수 있다.
Goals must be clear to succeed.
증거가 분명하므로 유죄가 확실합니다.
The evidence is clear, so guilt is certain.
네 마음을 분명하게 말해 줘.
Tell me your mind clearly.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Bun-myeong (분명) sounds like 'Bone-Mean' - the core meaning is as clear as a bone.
Quick Quiz
이번 사고의 원인은 아직 ____하게 밝혀지지 않았다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 분명
Examples
목표가 분명해야 성공할 수 있다.
everydayGoals must be clear to succeed.
증거가 분명하므로 유죄가 확실합니다.
formalThe evidence is clear, so guilt is certain.
네 마음을 분명하게 말해 줘.
informalTell me your mind clearly.
두 현상 사이에는 분명한 차이가 존재한다.
academicThere is a clear difference between the two phenomena.
업무 지시를 분명하게 내리는 것이 리더의 역할입니다.
businessIt is the leader's role to give clear work instructions.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
분명히 말해두다
to make it clear (in advance)
분명한 사실
plain fact
의사가 분명하다
intention is clear
Often Confused With
분명하다 is more commonly used in general contexts, while 명확하다 sounds slightly more technical or academic.
Usage Notes
Can be used for physical clarity (sight/sound) and abstract clarity (ideas/logic).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adverb '분명히' when they mean 'certainly/surely' (as an intensifier), which is correct but has a slightly different nuance.
Memory Tip
Bun-myeong (분명) sounds like 'Bone-Mean' - the core meaning is as clear as a bone.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 分 (divide/distinguish) + 明 (bright/clear).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
이번 사고의 원인은 아직 ____하게 밝혀지지 않았다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 분명
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
기반하다
B2To be based on or grounded in a specific foundation, fact, or principle.
증명
B1The act of showing that something is true or correct by providing evidence or logical reasons.
역설하다
B2To emphasize or stress a point strongly during a speech or in writing.
비교
B1The act of examining the similarities and differences between two or more things.
중대한
B1Being of great importance or significance. Used to emphasize the weight of a decision, an error, or a discovery.
구별하다
B1To recognize or show a difference between people or things. Often used in IELTS when comparing two similar concepts or identifying categories.
인용
B1The act of repeating or copying words from another source, such as a book, speech, or person. It is used to provide evidence or support an argument.
탐구
B1The act of examining or investigating something systematically and deeply to discover facts or principles. It is central to scientific and philosophical work.
부각
B1The act of making something stand out or become prominent. It is often used when a certain issue or fact becomes a main topic of interest.
입각하다
B2To be based on or grounded in a certain position, principle, or fact. It is used to describe the foundation of an argument or policy.
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