noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
iridescent color; jewel beetle color
Refers to the shifting, metallic green-purple sheen of a jewel beetle's wing covers. Used literally for colors that change depending on the angle of light.
彼女のドレスは玉虫色に輝いていた。
Her dress shone with an iridescent color.
玉虫色の羽根を持つ
I found an insect with iridescent wings.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Figurative use, often describing a reply, statement, or attitude that can be interpreted in multiple ways, like the shifting colors of a jewel beetle. Common in political or diplomatic contexts.
首相の答弁は玉虫色で、真意がつかめなかった。
The prime minister's reply was equivocal, and I couldn't grasp his true intention.
その合意は玉虫色の表現でごまかされている。
The agreement is obscured by ambiguous wording.