Translation guide
How to express that speech, writing, or meaning cannot be understood at all.
The speaker's words are impossible to make out or comprehend.
Natural, everyday way to say 'I don't understand what you're saying.'
The written words are illegible or the meaning is impossible to grasp.
Standard way to say 'I don't understand what is written.'
The idea, logic, or meaning behind something is impossible to understand.
General 'cannot understand/comprehend,' suitable for abstract concepts.
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly corresponds to 'unintelligible' in all contexts. Instead, use phrases that describe the inability to understand, hear, or read.
I couldn't understand what he was saying.
Specifically means 'cannot catch/hear the words,' often due to noise or unclear speech.
I couldn't make out his voice because of the noise.
Means 'meaning unclear,' often used for speech or text that makes no sense.
His explanation was unintelligible.
Expresses that the reasoning or situation is incomprehensible; often used for confusing speech.
What he said was unintelligible.
This note is unintelligible.
Means 'cannot decipher' handwriting or unclear text.
His handwriting is unintelligible.
Simple 'cannot read,' but can imply illegibility or incomprehensibility.
These letters are too small to read; they're unintelligible.
That theory is unintelligible to me.
Means 'incomprehensible, mysterious,' often used for puzzling situations or statements.
His behavior is unintelligible.
Colloquial onomatopoeia for something completely unintelligible, like gibberish.
It's all technical jargon; it's unintelligible to me.