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明确 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
明确
míngquè
clear-cut
HSK 5, ad, 20 strokes, rank #3762, Hard
明确
míngquè
definite
HSK 5, ad, 20 strokes, rank #3762, Hard
明确
míngquè
explicit
HSK 5, ad, 20 strokes, rank #3762, Hard
明确
míngquè
to clarify
HSK 5, ad, 20 strokes, rank #3762, Hard
明确
míngquè
to specify
HSK 5, ad, 20 strokes, rank #3762, Hard
明确
míngquè
to make definite
HSK 5, ad, 20 strokes, rank #3762, Hard
míngquè(ming2que4)ming que T2
1clear-cut
2definite
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March 24, 2026
明确(明確)míngquè(ming2que4)
明确 (míngquè) refers to something that is clear-cut, definite, or explicit. It is often used in contexts where clarity and precision are needed, such as in instructions, agreements, or statements, emphasizing the importance of being unambiguous and specific.
Strokes20Frequency#3762DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, clarity in communication is highly valued, especially in business and academic settings. Using 明确 can convey professionalism and help prevent misunderstandings in discussions or contracts.
Memory tip
Imagine a bright light (明, míng) shining on a clear path (确, què). The light makes everything visible and obvious, just like how 明确 means to clarify or specify something, making it easy to understand.
Meanings of 明确
míngquè(ming2que4)
1clear-cut
2definite
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 明确 means.
About 明确
明确Simplified
明確Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3762Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 明确
Podcast: 明确
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AI study notes for 明确
Quick Contrast
明确 (míngquè) vs 清晰 (qīngxī) — use 明确 for explicitness or definiteness in context, while 清晰 emphasizes clarity or lucidity without the same level of precision.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 明确 with similar terms like 清晰 (qīngxī), which means clear but can imply visibility rather than definiteness. This term is more formal and is commonly used in professional or academic contexts. It often collocates with terms like '目标' (goal) and '要求' (requirement).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 明确 connects with other words related to clarity and precision, like 清楚 (qīngchǔ). Students should focus on using it in sentences that require explicitness or when giving detailed instructions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 明确 when they mean to say 'clear' in a visual sense, leading to sentences like '这张图片不明确' (This picture is not clear). The correct term to use here would be 清楚 (qīngchǔ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 明确
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Knowing 明确 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
明确 (míngquè) refers to something that is clear-cut, definite, or explicit. It is often used in contexts where clarity and precision are needed, such as in instructions, agreements, or statements, emphasizing the importance of being unambiguous and specific.
When to use 明确
Be careful not to confuse 明确 with similar terms like 清晰 (qīngxī), which means clear but can imply visibility rather than definiteness. This term is more formal and is commonly used in professional or academic contexts. It often collocates with terms like '目标' (goal) and '要求' (requirement).
明确 or something close to it
明确 (míngquè) vs 清晰 (qīngxī) — use 明确 for explicitness or definiteness in context, while 清晰 emphasizes clarity or lucidity without the same level of precision.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 明确 when they mean to say 'clear' in a visual sense, leading to sentences like '这张图片不明确' (This picture is not clear). The correct term to use here would be 清楚 (qīngchǔ).
Write 明确
明
确
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Practice writing 明确 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 明确
明确 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你的决定必须转化为具体____的行动。
Your decision must be translated into specific, concrete actions.
Example sentences for 明确 (10)
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1
你的决定必须转化为具体明确的行动。
nǐ de juédìng bìxū zhuǎnhuà wèi jùtǐ míngquè de xíngdòng。
Your decision must be translated into specific, concrete actions.
2
他已经明确禁止她独自外出。
tā yǐjīng míngquè jìnzhǐ tā dúzì wàichū。
He has expressly forbidden her to go out on her own.
3
在对待有自杀倾向的青少年时,我们的目标应当很明确。
zài duìdài yǒu zìshā qīngxiàng de qīngshàonián shí, wǒmen de mùbiāo yīngdāng hěn míngquè。
In dealing with suicidal youngsters, our aims should be clear.
4
对目标要有明确的认识。
duì mùbiāo yào yǒu míngquè de rènshi。
Try to keep a clear-sighted view of your objective.
5
遵照首相的明确指令,那艘船被击沉了。
zūnzhào shǒuxiàng de míngquè zhǐlìng, nà sōu chuán bèi jī chén le。
The ship was sunk on express orders from the Prime Minister.
6
我可以非常明确地说,情况会十分糟糕。
wǒ kěyǐ fēicháng míngquè dì shuō, qíngkuàng huì shífēn zāogāo。