Translation guide
Describes something that is not clear or sharp, whether in sound, sight, memory, or meaning. Japanese uses different words depending on what is unclear.
Describing a sound, voice, or speech that is muffled, hard to hear, or not articulated clearly.
General term for indistinct sound or speech; often used for unclear pronunciation or muffled audio.
彼の声は不明瞭で、何を言っているのかわからなかった。
His voice was indistinct and I couldn't tell what he was saying.
Onomatopoeia for muttering or speaking in a low, indistinct voice; often implies shyness or lack of confidence.
彼はぼそぼそと話すので、聞き取りにくい。
He speaks indistinctly, so it's hard to catch what he says.
Onomatopoeia for mumbling with something in the mouth or speaking unclearly; often used when someone is eating or not opening their mouth properly.
口の中でもごもご言わないで、はっきり話してください。
Don't mumble indistinctly with your mouth full; speak clearly.
Describing something seen that lacks sharp outlines or clear details, such as a distant object, foggy scene, or poor photo.
Adverb/adjective meaning vague, blurry, or dim; very common for indistinct visual impressions.
霧で景色がぼんやりとしか見えなかった。
The scenery was only indistinctly visible because of the fog.
More formal term for unclear or blurred images, often used in technical contexts like photography or printing.
Verb meaning to become hazy or blurred, often due to tears, distance, or atmospheric conditions; more poetic.
Describing a memory, idea, or feeling that is not clear or well-defined in the mind.
Broadly used for vague, ambiguous, or unclear things, including memories, statements, and boundaries.
その日のことは曖昧にしか覚えていない。
I only have an indistinct memory of that day.
Describes something vague and lacking concrete form, often used for abstract ideas, anxieties, or plans.
Often used for dim or hazy memories; slightly literary but common in everyday speech.
Describing a line, difference, or category that is not sharply defined.
Also used for unclear distinctions or definitions, not just sound.
両者の違いは不明瞭だ。
The difference between the two is indistinct.
Common for ambiguous boundaries or vague criteria.
ぼんやり is best for visual or mental haziness (like a blurry photo or daydreaming). 曖昧 is for logical vagueness or ambiguity (like a vague answer). 不明瞭 is more formal and often used for unclear sound, speech, or definitions.
テレビの画面がぼんやりしている。
The TV screen is indistinct (blurry).
彼の返事は曖昧だった。
His reply was indistinct (vague).
音声が不明瞭で聞き取れない。
The audio is indistinct and I can't make it out.
この写真は不鮮明で、顔がよくわからない。
This photo is indistinct; I can't make out the faces.
The distant mountains look indistinct (hazy).
漠然とした不安を感じる。
I feel an indistinct (vague) anxiety.
My childhood memories are indistinct.
その定義は曖昧で、何が含まれるのかはっきりしない。
The definition is indistinct; it's not clear what is included.