Translation guide
The English word "opaque" describes something that light cannot pass through, or something difficult to understand. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Describing materials, glass, liquids, etc. that you cannot see through.
The most direct and common translation for 'opaque' in the physical sense. Used for materials, glass, liquids, etc.
このガラスは不透明です。
This glass is opaque.
不透明な液体が容器に入っていた。
An opaque liquid was in the container.
Describing writing, speech, explanations, or meaning that is unclear or hard to grasp.
不透明 is the direct translation and works for both physical and abstract opacity. However, for abstract 'hard to understand', わかりにくい is more natural in everyday conversation. 不透明 in abstract contexts often implies a lack of transparency in processes or systems, not just difficulty of comprehension.
この契約書はわかりにくい。
This contract is opaque (hard to understand).
契約の条件が不透明だ。
The contract terms are opaque (not transparent).
In English, you might say 'He is being opaque.' In Japanese, 不透明 is not used to describe a person's behavior directly. Instead, use phrases like 言っていることがわかりにくい (what he's saying is hard to understand) or 態度がはっきりしない (his attitude is unclear).
Literally 'does not show through'. Used for fabrics, paper, or thin materials that are not see-through. More casual than 不透明.
このカーテンは透けないので安心です。
These curtains are opaque, so I feel secure.
Literally 'does not let light pass through'. A more technical or descriptive phrase.
この素材は光を通さない。
This material is opaque.
The most natural way to say something is hard to understand. Covers 'opaque' in the sense of unclear or confusing.
彼の説明はわかりにくかった。
His explanation was opaque.
この文章はとてもわかりにくい。
This text is very opaque.
Also used metaphorically for situations, processes, or decisions that lack transparency. Often used in news or business contexts.
選考過程は不透明だ。
The selection process is opaque.
不透明な意思決定が問題になった。
Opaque decision-making became a problem.