Translation guide
The English word "obscure" has several distinct meanings: not well-known, hard to understand, or to block/hide. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing something that is not famous, not widely known, or known only to a few people.
an obscure artist · an obscure village · an obscure reference
Describing language, ideas, or explanations that are unclear, vague, or difficult to comprehend.
an obscure explanation · obscure language · the meaning is obscure
To cover something so that it cannot be seen clearly, or to make something difficult to perceive.
Clouds obscured the sun. · The view was obscured by fog. · Trees obscure the entrance.
曖昧 (aimai) only means 'vague' or 'ambiguous' in the sense of unclear meaning. It cannot be used for physical obstruction like clouds blocking the sun. Use 遮る (saegiru) or 覆い隠す (ooikakusu) instead.
無名 (mumei) is a more formal, written word meaning 'unknown' or 'nameless'. マイナー (mainaa) is a casual loanword meaning 'minor' or 'niche'. Use 無名 for serious contexts like an unknown artist in history, and マイナー for everyday talk about bands or hobbies.
彼は何年も人知れず働いた。
He worked in obscurity for years.
人知れず captures the sense of working without recognition.
He is an obscure painter.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'not known'. Very common and natural.
その村はあまり知られていない。
That village is quite obscure.
Loanword from English 'minor', used for things that are not mainstream, niche, or obscure. Common in casual contexts.
このバンドはまだマイナーだ。
This band is still obscure.
Attributive form of 無名, used directly before nouns.
無名の作家の本を読んだ。
I read a book by an obscure writer.
Adverb meaning 'without being known by others', often used for actions done in obscurity or secretly. More literary.
彼は人知れず努力を続けた。
He continued his efforts in obscurity.
Means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. Commonly used for unclear statements or meanings.
彼の説明は曖昧だった。
His explanation was obscure.
Literally 'hard to understand'. A very natural and common phrase.
この文章は分かりにくい。
This passage is obscure.
Means 'difficult to understand' or 'esoteric'. Often used for complex theories or texts.
その哲学書は難解だ。
That philosophy book is obscure.
Means 'unclear' or 'indistinct'. More formal and often used in written contexts.
契約書の文言が不明瞭だ。
The wording of the contract is obscure.
Means 'to block' or 'to obstruct'. Used for physical objects blocking light, view, or sound.
雲が太陽を遮った。
Clouds obscured the sun.
Means 'to cover up and hide'. Emphasizes completely hiding something from view.
霧が山々を覆い隠した。
Fog obscured the mountains.
A phrase meaning 'to make invisible' or 'to block from sight'. Simple and clear.
その看板が景色を見えなくしている。
That sign obscures the view.
General word for 'to hide'. Can be used when something is intentionally or unintentionally hidden.
彼は手で顔を隠した。
He obscured his face with his hands.