Japanese word

漠然

Pronunciation

Romajibakuzen

Meaning

  • adverbvaguely

Example

私は漠然と将来を考えています。watashi wa baku zen to shō rai o kanga e te i ma su

I am vaguely thinking about the future.

Illustration for 漠然 (vaguely)

More examples

会議では、問題の原因を漠然と説明しないでください。kai gi de wa mon dai no gen in o baku zen to setsu mei shi na i de ku da sa i

Please do not explain the cause of the problem vaguely.

Core concept

Expresses a lack of clear details or boundaries, leaving an idea, memory, or plan only partly formed.

Common phrases

  • 漠然と思うbaku zen to omo u

    think vaguely

  • 漠然と覚えているbaku zen to obo e te i ru

    remember vaguely

Similar words

ぼんやりbonyari: In an unclear way that leaves the image or idea without sharp definition.
何となくnantonaku: For no particular reason, or with no clearly identified feeling or intention.
うすうすusuusu: With partial awareness of a fact that is not fully understood.

Definition in Japanese

内容や輪郭などがはっきりせず、ぼんやりしているさま。nai yō ya rin kaku na do ga ha kki ri se zu bo n ya ri shi te i ru sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 漠 (baku, "vast and indistinct") with 然 (zen, "in that state") to form 漠然 (bakuzen, "vague").

Usage tips

  • In natural English, vaguely often softens statements about thoughts, memories, or plans without saying that they are completely absent or false.

Other meanings

  • dimlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 漠然性bakuzenseiindefinitenessnoun
  • 漠然さbakuzensavaguenessnoun

Word lists with this word