Translation guide
The English word "indeterminate" is used to describe something that is not exactly known, established, or defined. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you mean vague, undecided, unspecified, or mathematically undefined.
Use when something is not clearly defined, ambiguous, or uncertain in nature.
Most direct equivalent for 'indeterminate' in the sense of not yet fixed or uncertain. Common in formal and technical contexts.
The result is still indeterminate.
Means 'unknown' or 'unclear'. Used when information is lacking or not understood.
The cause remains indeterminate.
Means 'ambiguous' or 'vague'. Suitable when boundaries or definitions are unclear.
The definition is indeterminate.
Use when a decision, plan, or outcome is pending or not finalized.
Use when something is not specified or left open, often in instructions or descriptions.
Means 'unspecified' or 'indeterminate' in the sense of not being limited to a particular one. Common in phrases like 不特定多数 (unspecified large number of people).
an indeterminate number of people
Means 'arbitrary' or 'optional'. Used when a choice is left open.
Use in mathematics when an expression has no defined value.
Technical term for 'indeterminate form' in mathematics, such as 0/0.
This limit is an indeterminate form.
Used in legal contexts for prison sentences with no fixed length.
Legal term for an indeterminate sentence, where the release date is not fixed.
He was given an indeterminate sentence.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'indeterminate'. Choose the word that matches the specific nuance: 不確定 for uncertainty, 未定 for undecided, 不特定 for unspecified, 不定 for mathematical forms.
発売日は未確定です。
The release date is indeterminate.
Please enter an indeterminate value.