to be clear (of a sight, sound, colour, etc.); to be bright; to be vivid; to be crisp

to be clear-headed; to be alert; to be on the ball; to be wide awake

Often as 冴えない

to look upbeat; to be perky; to be cheerful

to master (a skill); to excel at; to cleanly execute

Often as 冴えない

to be satisfying

Original meaning; now somewhat old-fashioned

to become frigid; to become intensely cold

dull; dreary; sullen; depressed

dissatisfying; disappointing; lackluster; inadequate

unattractive; unappealing

boring; uninteresting

clearness; clarity

skillfulness (skilfulness)

to be wide-awake; to be wakeful; to be unable to sleep

to be clear; to be distinct; to be precise

to be skillful; to be skilful; to be deft

to be well-executed

to get cold; to freeze over

Often 頭が冴えた

to be clear-headed

Noun or verb acting prenominally

cheerful (look); healthy (complexion)

clearly; brightly; freshly

to be very clear

to be keenly cold; to be cold and clear

Rare term

extreme cold