薄々 (うすうす) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
adverb
vaguely; dimly; faintly; slightly
Used when one has an inkling or a vague awareness of something, often before it becomes clear. Commonly paired with verbs like 気づく, 知る, 感じる, or 分かる.
事
情
が
分
かっ
て
き
た
。
Listening to him, I began to get a faint idea of the situation.
Kanji
薄dilute, thin, weak (tea)
Similar words
- なんとなく
なんとなく is more about a vague feeling without clear reason, while 薄々 implies a slight awareness or suspicion based on some hints.
- かすかに
かすかに is used for faint sensory perceptions (sound, smell, light), whereas 薄々 is for mental awareness or knowledge.
Etymology
Reduplication of 薄い (usui, 'thin, faint'), with the meaning of 'faintly, vaguely'.
