Translation guide
The English word 'enigma' refers to something mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from describing a person or thing as an enigma to talking about riddles and unsolved mysteries.
Describing someone or something as an enigma, a puzzle that defies easy explanation.
The most common and versatile word for 'enigma' or 'mystery'. Can refer to a person, thing, or situation that is puzzling.
彼は謎の人物だ。
He is an enigmatic figure.
その事件は今も謎に包まれている。
The case is still shrouded in mystery.
Means 'wonder' or 'mystery', often with a nuance of something fascinating and inexplicable. Used for people, phenomena, or experiences.
彼女は不思議な魅力がある。
She has an enigmatic charm.
人生は不思議なものだ。
Life is an enigma.
Means 'incomprehensible' or 'unfathomable'. Stronger than 謎, emphasizing that something cannot be understood logically.
彼の行動は不可解だ。
His behavior is an enigma.
Refers to 'mystery' in a profound, often spiritual or cosmic sense. Used for deep secrets of nature or existence.
宇宙の神秘に触れる。
To touch the enigma of the universe.
Referring to a literal riddle, conundrum, or brain-teaser.
The standard word for a riddle or guessing game. Often used in children's contexts.
謎々を出してあげる。
I'll give you a riddle.
Can also mean a riddle or puzzle, especially in phrases like 謎を解く (solve a riddle).
この謎が解けますか？
Can you solve this enigma?
Loanword from English 'puzzle'. Used for jigsaw puzzles, logic puzzles, etc. Not typically used for a person.
このパズルは難しい。
This puzzle is difficult.
Referring to a famous unsolved case, historical puzzle, or enduring mystery.
Used for historical enigmas, unsolved crimes, etc. Often in compounds like 謎の事件 (mysterious incident).
ピラミッドの建設方法は今も謎だ。
How the pyramids were built remains an enigma.
Loanword for 'mystery'. Often used for crime mysteries or suspense stories.
Means 'bizarre' or 'mysterious and strange'. Used for eerie, supernatural enigmas.
謎 (nazo) is the most general and neutral word for 'enigma'. 不思議 (fushigi) implies a sense of wonder and fascination, often positive. 不可解 (fukakai) is more negative, stressing that something is beyond comprehension or irrational.
彼の心は謎だ。
His mind is an enigma. (neutral)
彼女の笑顔は不思議だ。
Her smile is enigmatic. (fascinating)
彼の動機は不可解だ。
His motives are an enigma. (incomprehensible)
The loanword エニグマ (enigma) exists but is rarely used outside of specific contexts like the Enigma machine or as a proper noun. For general use, stick to native Japanese words.
彼女は私にとって今も謎のままだ。
She remains an enigma to me.
宇宙の起源は謎である。
The origin of the universe is an enigma.
彼は謎めいた話し方をした。
He spoke in enigmas.
This case is an unsolved enigma.
To pursue the enigma of strange phenomena.