あやふや
Meanings
1
uncertain; vague; ambiguous; non-committal
Describes something that is unclear, indefinite, or lacking firmness, such as a memory, statement, attitude, or situation. Often used for evasive or wishy-washy responses.
His reply was vague, so I don't know if he's really going.
My memory of that day is hazy.
Usage patterns
- あやふやな返事a vague, non-committal reply
He only gave a vague, non-committal reply.
- あやふやな態度an evasive, wishy-washy attitude
You won't be trusted if you keep that wishy-washy attitude.
- 〈事〉があやふやになるfor something (a memory, fact, etc.) to become unclear
As time passes, memories become vague.
- 〈事〉をあやふやにするto leave something deliberately vague or unresolved
He ended the discussion having left the question of responsibility deliberately vague.