The word 清晰 is formed by combining two independent characters, each contributing a similar meaning to create a composite idea of clarity. The first character, 清 (qīng), originally depicts water that is pure and transparent, conveying a sense of being unclouded. The second character, 晰 (xī), is associated with brightness and whiteness, implying something distinct and easy to discern. When paired, they reinforce and nuance each other, merging the concepts of transparent purity and distinct brightness to form the complete meaning of "clear", "distinct", or "sharp", as in clear thinking or a clear image.