Translation guide
The English word 'puzzle' can refer to a jigsaw puzzle, a riddle or brain-teaser, or a confusing situation. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A game or toy consisting of many interlocking pieces that form a picture when assembled.
A question, problem, or toy designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.
Refers to a riddle, mystery, or something puzzling. Often used in the phrase '謎を解く' (solve a riddle).
Can you solve this riddle?
Also used for brain-teasers and logic puzzles, not just jigsaw puzzles.
A traditional Japanese picture puzzle or rebus. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Something that is difficult to understand or explain.
Used for mysteries, enigmas, or anything baffling. Common in phrases like '謎の人物' (mysterious person).
His behavior is a puzzle.
Means 'incomprehensible' or 'unfathomable'. Often used as an adjective (不可解な) to describe puzzling things.
Literally 'to make one's head worry', meaning to be puzzled or perplexed by something.
パズル is the default for physical puzzles like jigsaws, while 謎 is for riddles and mysteries. However, パズル can also be used for logic puzzles and brain-teasers. 謎 carries a nuance of something hidden or unknown.
crossword puzzle
mysterious disappearance
This math problem is a real puzzle.
She enjoys solving puzzles.
Specifically means 'jigsaw puzzle'. Use this when you want to be precise about the type of puzzle.
When I was a child, I loved jigsaw puzzles.
This puzzle is difficult.
江戸時代の判じ物を解読する。
Decipher an Edo-period rebus.
Her reply was puzzling.
That problem puzzled me.