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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The TV screen is indistinct (blurry).
His reply was indistinct (vague).
The audio is indistinct and I can't make it out.
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.