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.
This glass is opaque.
An opaque liquid was in the container.
Literally 'does not show through'. Used for fabrics, paper, or thin materials that are not see-through. More casual than 不透明.
These curtains are opaque, so I feel secure.
Literally 'does not let light pass through'. A more technical or descriptive phrase.
This material is opaque.
Describing writing, speech, explanations, or meaning that is unclear or hard to grasp.
The most natural way to say something is hard to understand. Covers 'opaque' in the sense of unclear or confusing.
His explanation was opaque.
Also used metaphorically for situations, processes, or decisions that lack transparency. Often used in news or business contexts.
Means 'difficult to understand' or 'esoteric'. Used for highly complex or specialized content, like academic texts or cryptic language.
His poetry is opaque.
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.
This contract is opaque (hard to understand).
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).
This text is very opaque.
The selection process is opaque.
Opaque decision-making became a problem.