noun, na-adjective
unevenness; patchiness; blotchiness
Refers to physical unevenness in color, paint, coating, or surface finish. Often used in contexts like painting, printing, or cooking.
壁のペンキにむらがある。
The paint on the wall is uneven.
このプリントは色むらが目立つ。
This print has noticeable color unevenness.
noun, na-adjective
inconsistency; variability; unevenness
Used for abstract unevenness in quality, results, performance, or behavior. Implies lack of uniformity or stability.
彼の成績にはむらがある。
His grades are inconsistent.
このチームはプレーにむらがある。
This team's performance is uneven.
noun, na-adjective
fickleness; capriciousness; fitfulness
Describes a person's mood, effort, or attention that fluctuates unpredictably. Often used with words like 気分 (mood) or 性格 (personality).
彼女は気分にむらがある。
She is moody (her mood is changeable).
あの人は仕事にむらがあって困る。
That person's work is inconsistent (sometimes good, sometimes bad), which is a problem.
The word むら is of native Japanese origin. Its exact derivation is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of 'grouping' or 'clustering' (as in 群れ), suggesting irregular distribution. The kanji 斑 is a Chinese character meaning 'spot' or 'speckle', adopted for its semantic fit.