Translation guide
How to express being unable to answer, solve, or understand something, often due to difficulty or lack of knowledge.
Expressing that you are stuck on a question, puzzle, or problem and cannot find the answer or solution.
The most direct and common way to say you don't know or can't figure something out. Can be used in many contexts.
この問題がわからない。
I'm stumped by this problem.
Expressing that you cannot grasp the meaning, reason, or situation.
Directly means 'cannot understand'. Suitable for formal and informal situations.
彼の説明は複雑で理解できなかった。
His explanation was so complicated I was stumped.
Expressing that you are so surprised, confused, or overwhelmed that you cannot think of what to say or do.
Literally 'words don't come out'. Used when you are speechless or stumped for a reply.
あまりの驚きに言葉が出なかった。
I was so stunned I was stumped for words.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to be stumped'. Using a literal translation like '切り株にされる' would be nonsensical. Instead, use phrases that convey the specific nuance of being stuck or at a loss.
Literally 'cannot produce an answer'. Used when you are unable to come up with a solution.
難しい質問で、答えが出せなかった。
I was stumped by the difficult question and couldn't come up with an answer.
Means 'to be troubled' or 'at a loss'. Often used when you are stumped and don't know what to do.
急に聞かれて困った。
I was stumped when asked suddenly.
Idiom meaning 'unable to do anything', 'completely at a loss'. Stronger than just being stumped; implies total helplessness.
このパズルは難しすぎて手も足も出ない。
This puzzle is so hard I'm completely stumped.
Literally 'don't understand the meaning'. Common in casual speech.
この単語の意味がわからなくて困っている。
I'm stumped by the meaning of this word.
Emphatic way to say 'I have no idea' or 'I'm completely stumped'. Conveys total lack of understanding.
数学の授業がさっぱりわからない。
I'm completely stumped in math class.
Means 'to be at a loss for a reply'. Used when you don't know how to respond to a question or statement.
彼の突然のプロポーズに返事に困った。
I was stumped for a reply to his sudden proposal.
Literally 'don't know how to answer'. A straightforward way to express being stumped for a response.
その質問にはどう答えていいかわからなかった。
I was stumped as to how to answer that question.