Translation guide
How to express the idea of a clue, hint, or lead in Japanese, depending on whether it's a hint for solving a problem, a lead in an investigation, or a piece of evidence.
clue (hint)
clue (hint, tip)
A piece of information that helps you figure something out, like in a game, mystery, or everyday situation.
The most common and versatile word for 'clue'. It can be used for physical clues, hints in conversation, or leads in an investigation.
Did the police find any clues?
I have no clue how to solve this problem.
A direct loanword from English 'hint'. Often used for tips, suggestions, or clues in games, quizzes, or when giving someone a small piece of helpful information.
Literally 'key', used metaphorically to mean the crucial clue or key to solving something. Often used in phrases like 鍵を握る (to hold the key).
A piece of evidence or information that helps track down someone or something, often used in police work or searching.
Again the go-to word. It covers both physical traces and informational leads.
No clues about the culprit have been found yet.
Literally 'footsteps' or 'trail', used for tracking someone's movements or whereabouts. Often used when following a person's trail.
Literally 'end of a thread', meaning a starting point or first clue that leads to solving something. Often used when you finally get a small lead.
Expressing that you have no clue or don't know at all.
A common phrase meaning 'I have no idea' or 'I can't even guess'. Stronger than just saying you don't know.
I have no clue where he went.
Means 'I have absolutely no idea' or 'I'm completely clueless'. Emphasizes total lack of understanding.
Literally 'I don't know anything'. A straightforward way to say you have no information or clue about something.
手がかり is a native Japanese word and feels more concrete, like a physical clue or a solid lead. ヒント is a loanword and often implies a lighter, more casual hint, like in a game or when giving advice. In many contexts they overlap, but 手がかり is more common in serious situations like police investigations.
look for clues
Give me a hint.
The teacher gave a hint for the problem.
この証言が事件解決の鍵になるだろう。
This testimony will probably be the key to solving the case.
警察は容疑者の足取りを追っている。
The police are tracking the suspect's movements.
やっと事件解決の糸口が見つかった。
We finally found a clue to solving the case.
I have no clue how to use this machine.
I don't have a clue about that plan.