Translation guide
To avoid making a clear statement or commitment, often by using vague or ambiguous language. This guide helps learners express this idea naturally in Japanese.
To avoid giving a direct answer or taking a clear stance, often to mislead or evade responsibility.
To intentionally use words that can be interpreted in multiple ways, often to deceive without technically lying.
Literally 'to use a double tongue.' A strong, idiomatic expression for saying one thing to one person and another to someone else, or being deliberately two-faced in speech. Closest to the deceptive aspect of equivocation.
彼は二枚舌を使って、両方のグループにいい顔をした。
He equivocated, trying to please both groups.
To not commit to a definite answer or position, often to keep options open or avoid responsibility.
Literally 'not give a pledge/commitment.' Used when someone carefully avoids saying anything that could be held against them later. Common in political or business contexts.
大臣は記者会見で言質を与えなかった。
The minister equivocated at the press conference.
「言葉を濁す」 is an idiomatic, natural phrase for evasive speech, while 「あいまいな言い方をする」 is more descriptive and slightly more formal. Use the former in everyday conversation, the latter in writing or analysis.
彼は言葉を濁してばかりいる。
He's always equivocating.
彼のあいまいな言い方にはイライラする。
His equivocal way of speaking is frustrating.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'equivocate.' Using a direct translation like 「曖昧に話す」 is understandable but unnatural. Instead, use the phrases provided depending on the nuance: evasiveness, ambiguity, or deception.
言葉を濁さずに、はっきり答えてください。
Stop equivocating and give me a straight answer.
その政治家はスキャンダルについて質問されると、言葉を濁した。
The politician equivocated when asked about the scandal.
Literally 'to muddy one's words.' This is the most common and natural way to say someone is equivocating, being evasive, or not giving a straight answer.
彼は質問に答えず、言葉を濁した。
He didn't answer the question and equivocated.
はっきり言わずに言葉を濁すのはやめてください。
Please stop equivocating and just say it clearly.
Means 'to speak in an ambiguous way.' A more direct description of equivocation, suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼はいつもあいまいな言い方をして、自分の意見をはっきり言わない。
He always equivocates and never states his opinion clearly.
An adjective phrase meaning 'not clear' or 'vague.' Can describe a person's speech or attitude when they are equivocating.
彼の返事ははっきりしなかった。
His reply was equivocal.
Means 'to deceive' or 'to gloss over.' Can imply equivocation when someone dodges a question or covers up the truth with vague words. Slightly more negative nuance.
質問をごまかさないでください。
Don't equivocate (dodge the question).
Refers to 'verbal trickery' or 'play on words.' Can describe equivocation when someone exploits ambiguity in language to mislead.
それは言葉のあやで、真実を隠している。
That's equivocation, hiding the truth.
Means 'sophistry' or 'fallacious argument.' A formal term for using clever but misleading reasoning, which often involves equivocation. More academic.
彼の説明は詭弁に過ぎない。
His explanation is nothing but equivocation.
Means 'to run away' or 'to evade.' In conversation, it can mean dodging a question or avoiding a clear answer. Very common in casual speech.
また質問から逃げたね。
You equivocated again, didn't you?
Means 'to leave vague' or 'to gloss over.' Implies intentionally making something unclear to avoid a definite conclusion.
彼はその問題をうやむやにした。
He equivocated on the issue.