JLPT · Level 157
15 words
Japanese word
紛らわしい
Pronunciation
Romajimagirawashii
Meaning
- i-adjectiveconfusing
Example
この二つの漢字は紛らわしいです。ko no futa tsu no kan ji wa magi ra wa shi i de su
These two kanji are confusing.
More examples
説明書の図が紛らわしいと、操作を間違えやすいです。setsu mei sho no zu ga magi ra wa shi i to sō sa o ma chiga e ya su i de su
When the diagrams in a manual are confusing, people can easily use the device incorrectly.
Core concept
Describes people, things, or signs that create uncertainty because they resemble or suggest something else.
Common phrases
紛らわしい言い方magi ra wa shi i i i kata
misleading wording
紛らわしい記号magi ra wa shi i ki gō
confusing symbol
紛らわしい案内magi ra wa shi i an nai
misleading guidance
Similar words
ややこしいyayakoshii: Describes something that is difficult to understand because its parts or details are complicated.
わかりにくいwakarinikui: Describes something that does not clearly convey its meaning or method of use.
Definition in Japanese
似たものとの区別がつきにくく、間違えやすいさま。ni ta mo no to no ku betsu ga tsu ki ni ku ku ma chiga e ya su i sa ma
Word origin
The native Japanese adjective 紛らわしい (magirawashii) is formed from the verb 紛らわす (magirawasu, "to confuse or disguise") with the adjective-forming suffix しい (shī).
Usage tips
- A sign, label, or expression can be 紛らわしい (magirawashii) even when nobody intends to deceive anyone, because its form makes the wrong interpretation easy.
Other meanings
- easily mistakeni-adjective
- misleadingi-adjective
Opposites
- 明確meikakuclearna-adjective
- 分かりやすいwakariyasuieasy to understandi-adjective
Related words
- 紛らわしさmagirawashisaconfusing naturenoun