Japanese Conversation · Level 125
60 words
Japanese word
曖昧
Pronunciation
Romajiaimai
Meaning
- na-adjectiveunclear
Example
先生の説明は曖昧です。sen sei no setsu mei wa ai mai de su
The teacher's explanation is unclear.
More examples
予定がまだ曖昧です。yo tei ga ma da ai mai de su
The plans are still vague.
Core concept
Describes something whose meaning, intent, or boundaries are not clear enough to support one definite interpretation.
Common phrases
曖昧な表現ai mai na hyō gen
a vague expression
曖昧に答えるai mai ni kota e ru
answer vaguely
曖昧な記憶ai mai na ki oku
a vague memory
Similar words
あやふやayafuya: Describes an answer, memory, or understanding that lacks firm details or certainty.
不明確fumeikaku: Describes something that lacks a clear meaning, purpose, or boundary.
不確かfutashika: Describes something whose truth or future result is not certain.
漠然bakuzen: Describes an idea or feeling that is vague and lacks a definite shape or focus.
Definition in Japanese
物事の意味や内容、態度などがはっきりせず、幾通りにも受け取れるさま。mono goto no i mi ya nai yō tai do na do ga ha kki ri se zu iku tō ri ni mo u ke to re ru sa ma
Word origin
It is a Sino-Japanese compound of 曖 (ai, "dim") and 昧 (mai, "dark or unclear"), with both characters pointing to a lack of clarity.
Usage tips
- In conversation, an 曖昧な返事 (aimai na henji) often avoids stating a clear yes or no, so it may sound polite but leave the listener uncertain.
Other meanings
- ambiguousna-adjective
- vaguena-adjective
Opposites
- 明確meikakuclearna-adjective
Related words
- 曖昧さaimaisaambiguitynoun