Translation guide
The English word 'imprecise' describes something that is not exact, accurate, or clearly defined. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases depending on what is being described—such as language, measurements, memories, or thinking.
Describing statements, explanations, or information that are not precise or clear.
The most common and versatile word for 'imprecise' in the sense of vague, ambiguous, or unclear. Used for statements, memories, expressions, etc.
His explanation was imprecise.
I only have an imprecise memory.
Literally 'not clear,' used for speech, writing, or images that lack clarity. Slightly more formal than 曖昧.
The instructions were imprecise.
Describes something vague and lacking concrete details, often used for ideas, plans, or feelings.
I have an imprecise sense of anxiety.
Describing numbers, data, or measurements that are not exact or accurate.
Directly means 'inaccurate' or 'imprecise' for data, measurements, or facts. Commonly used in technical contexts.
This data is imprecise.
Means 'rough' or 'approximate,' often implying a lack of precision but acceptable in casual contexts. Can be negative if precision is expected.
Loanword from English 'about,' used colloquially to mean approximate or imprecise, often with a negative nuance of being sloppy.
Describing words or expressions that are not strictly defined or used loosely.
Describing thoughts, ideas, or understanding that lack clarity or precision.
A very common phrase meaning 'not clear' or 'vague,' used for thoughts, opinions, or situations.
His opinion is imprecise.
Describes something uncertain, unreliable, or fuzzy, often used for knowledge or memory.
曖昧 (aimai) is used for vagueness or ambiguity in meaning, while 不正確 (fuseikaku) is used for factual inaccuracy or imprecision in data. Use 曖昧 for unclear statements and 不正確 for wrong numbers.
Please avoid imprecise expressions.
Imprecise information spread.
不正確 implies factual error, not just lack of clarity. For vague wording, use 曖昧 or 不明瞭 instead.
We got imprecise measurement results.
Is an imprecise calculation okay?
彼の仕事はアバウトすぎる。
His work is too imprecise.
His way of speaking is imprecise.
あやふやな知識で答えた。
I answered with imprecise knowledge.