English–Japanese

“unknown” in Japanese

Japanese

Also未知 (michi) · 無名 (mumei)

Pronunciation

Romajifumei

Example

先生の名前は不明です。sen sei no na mae wa fu mei de su

The teacher's name is unknown.

Illustration for 不明 (unknown)

How to say “unknown” in Japanese

“Unknown” in Japanese is 不明 (fumei).

Describes information that is not known or not clear, leaving its exact state unresolved.

Full entry for 不明: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 不明

申込書の記入方法が不明なので、受付で尋ねます。mōshi komi sho no ki nyū hō hō ga fu mei na no de uke tsuke de tazu ne ma su

Since the way to fill out the application form is unclear, I will ask at the reception desk.

Tips for using 不明

  • In conversation, 不明 (fumei) sounds more formal than わからない (wakaranai), so it often appears in notices, records, or careful explanations.

Other Japanese words for “unknown”

新しい星の正体はまだ未知のままです。atara shi i hoshi no shō tai wa ma da mi chi no ma ma de su

The nature of the new star is still unknown.

この町には無名の画家がいます。ko no machi ni wa mu mei no ga ka ga i ma su

There is an unknown painter in this town.

“unknown” in other languages