Translation guide
Describes something that is impossible to understand or interpret, often a person's expression, motives, or a mysterious phenomenon.
Expressing that something is completely beyond comprehension, often with a sense of mystery.
The most direct and common translation for 'inscrutable', meaning incomprehensible or enigmatic. Used for actions, motives, phenomena.
His motives are inscrutable.
An inscrutable phenomenon occurred.
Literally 'riddle-like', conveys a mysterious, enigmatic quality. Often used for people, expressions, or atmospheres.
She gave an inscrutable smile.
Means 'of unknown character/nature', implying something eerie or unfathomable. Stronger nuance of strangeness.
I was seized by an inscrutable anxiety.
Literally 'immeasurable', used for depths of emotion, intelligence, or complexity that cannot be fathomed.
His talent is inscrutable (immeasurable).
Describing a facial expression that is impossible to read, often deliberately blank or ambiguous.
Means 'expressionless', the most common way to describe a face that shows no emotion. Can imply inscrutability.
He sat with an inscrutable face.
A natural phrase meaning 'can't tell what someone is thinking'. Used for inscrutable people.
不可解 (fukakai) is a straightforward statement of incomprehensibility, often used for logical or factual matters. 謎めいた (nazomeita) adds a literary, mysterious flavor, suitable for describing atmospheres or enigmatic people.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'inscrutable'. Choose based on context: for motives use 不可解, for faces use 無表情 or 何を考えているかわからない.
He is an inscrutable person.
He approached the negotiation with an inscrutable poker face.