1.
clear statement, explicit declaration
The act of stating something clearly and unambiguously, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. Often used when someone takes a definitive stance or makes an official position clear.
社長は辞任を明言した。
The president explicitly stated his resignation.
大臣は増税について明言を避けた。
The minister avoided making a clear statement about the tax increase.
彼は記者会見で、来季もチームに{残ることを明言した。
At the press conference, he clearly stated that he would remain with the team next season.
USAGE:
明言する is used when someone makes an unambiguous, definitive statement, especially in formal or public contexts. The negative pattern 明言を避ける (to avoid making a clear statement) or 明言しない (to not state clearly) is also very common, particularly in political and diplomatic reporting.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 明言する: to state clearly
- 明言を避ける: to avoid a clear statement
- 明言を控える: to refrain from stating clearly
- はっきりと明言する: to state explicitly