Translation guide
The English adjective 'muddy' describes something covered in or containing mud, or metaphorically unclear or confused. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both literal and figurative uses.
Describing a surface, ground, or object that has mud on it or is made muddy.
Most common and natural way to say something is covered in mud. Emphasizes being dirty with mud.
My shoes got all muddy.
The kids were playing and got all muddy.
Similar to 泥だらけ, but can imply being smeared or covered more thoroughly. Slightly more emphatic.
My clothes are muddy.
Describes ground or a road that is muddy and soft, often after rain. Focuses on the condition of the surface.
The road is muddy from the rain.
Literally 'with mud attached'. More descriptive and less common as a standalone adjective.
I washed my muddy hands.
Describing water or other liquids that have become muddy due to suspended dirt.
Describing thoughts, explanations, or situations that are not clear or are confused.
Means vague, ambiguous. Common for unclear statements or memories.
His explanation was muddy and hard to understand.
Means hazy, dim, or vague. Often used for unclear memories or outlines.
My childhood memories are muddy.
Literally 'not clear'. A very common way to say something is unclear or muddy.
His attitude is muddy.
Formal or literary term for turbidity, used figuratively for confusion or corruption.
Describing a color that resembles mud, often dull brown or grayish.
Do not use 泥だらけ or 濁った for unclear thoughts or explanations. Use 曖昧な or はっきりしない instead.
His thinking is muddy.
The path was muddy after the rain.
Don't get your clothes muddy!
The water in the glass looked muddy.
洪水で町が泥水に浸かった。
The town was flooded with muddy water.
I heard a voice in my muddy consciousness.