Translation guide
How to express that something is not clear, ambiguous, or hard to understand in Japanese.
The most common meaning: something is confusing, vague, or hard to grasp.
Formal and widely used for 'unclear' or 'unknown'. Often in official contexts.
The cause is unclear.
Common everyday phrase meaning 'not clear' or 'vague'. Used for statements, explanations, or situations.
His explanation was unclear.
Means 'unclear' or 'indistinct', often for speech, writing, or images. More formal than はっきりしない.
The audio is unclear and I can't make it out.
Means 'ambiguous' or 'vague'. Often used for statements, memories, or boundaries.
His reply was unclear/ambiguous.
When the truth, outcome, or fact is not clear or is uncertain.
Means 'uncertain' or 'unclear'. Used for information, future events, or facts.
That information is unclear/uncertain.
Literally 'is not clear'. Very common in speech.
It's still unclear.
Formal term for 'unclear' or 'ill-defined', often used in legal or technical contexts.
When something is physically indistinct, blurry, or muffled.
Used for images, photos, or sounds that are unclear or blurry.
The photo is unclear.
Means 'is blurry' or 'is fuzzy'. Common for vision or images.
The screen is unclear/blurry.
Specifically for unclear audio: 'hard to catch/hear'.
The audio is unclear/hard to hear.
はっきりしない is the most colloquial and general. 不明 is formal and often used in reports or news. 曖昧 implies intentional vagueness or ambiguity.
His attitude is ambiguous.
規則が不明確だ。
The rules are unclear.