Translation guide
The English word 'fuzzy' covers several distinct meanings: something soft and fluffy to the touch, something visually blurry or out of focus, something vague or unclear in thought or memory, and fuzzy logic in technical contexts. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing something covered with soft, fine hair or fibers, like a peach, blanket, or animal.
An onomatopoeic word meaning soft, fluffy, and light. Commonly used for towels, bread, fur, and clouds.
このタオルはふわふわで気持ちいい。
This towel is so fluffy and feels nice.
Means 'fuzzy' in the sense of having a nap or pile that is raised, like a worn sweater or a fabric surface. Often used for textiles.
このセーターは洗ったら毛羽立ってしまった。
This sweater got fuzzy after washing.
Describes something fluffy and voluminous, often used for thick winter clothing, stuffed animals, or animal fur.
もこもこのルームウェアが欲しい。
I want a fuzzy loungewear set.
Literally 'like cotton fluff'. Used for very fine, soft fuzz, such as dandelion seeds or peach fuzz.
桃の表面は綿毛のように柔らかい。
The surface of a peach is soft like fuzz.
Describing an image, photo, or view that is not sharp or clear.
The most common word for 'blurry' or 'fuzzy' in the visual sense. Used for photos, memories, and unclear outlines.
写真がぼやけていて、誰だかわからない。
The photo is fuzzy, so I can't tell who it is.
Specifically means 'out of focus' in photography. Can also be used metaphorically for a vague point or argument.
この写真はピンぼけだ。
This photo is fuzzy (out of focus).
A more formal term meaning 'unclear' or 'indistinct', used in written descriptions or technical contexts.
不鮮明な画像では詳細が確認できない。
Details cannot be confirmed with a fuzzy image.
Describing something that is not clearly defined, remembered, or understood.
Means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. Used for unclear statements, memories, or boundaries.
彼の説明はあいまいでよくわからなかった。
His explanation was fuzzy and hard to understand.
Describes something hazy or indistinct, often used for memories, outlines, or a state of mind.
子供の頃の記憶はぼんやりしている。
My childhood memories are fuzzy.
A common phrase meaning 'not clear' or 'uncertain'. Can be used for plans, ideas, or feelings.
今後の予定はまだはっきりしない。
Future plans are still fuzzy.
Referring to fuzzy logic, a mathematical concept dealing with degrees of truth.
The direct loanword used in technical contexts for 'fuzzy logic' or 'fuzzy set'. Often written in katakana.
ファジィ理論は制御システムに応用されている。
Fuzzy logic is applied in control systems.
An alternative katakana spelling of 'fuzzy', also used in technical fields.
ファジー集合の概念を学ぶ。
Learn the concept of fuzzy sets.
The English word 'fuzzy' is often translated as ファジー in technical contexts, but for describing texture, using ファジー would sound unnatural. Use ふわふわ or 毛羽立った instead.
この毛布はふわふわだ。
This blanket is fuzzy.
ぼやけた is used for visual blurriness, while あいまいな is used for conceptual vagueness. Do not use ぼやけた for an unclear idea unless you are speaking metaphorically.
写真がぼやけている。
The photo is fuzzy.
彼の意見はあいまいだ。
His opinion is fuzzy.