Translation guide
The English word 'imprecise' describes something that is not exact, accurate, or clearly defined. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases depending on what is being described—such as language, measurements, memories, or thinking.
Describing statements, explanations, or information that are not precise or clear.
The most common and versatile word for 'imprecise' in the sense of vague, ambiguous, or unclear. Used for statements, memories, expressions, etc.
彼の説明は曖昧だった。
His explanation was imprecise.
曖昧な記憶しかない。
I only have an imprecise memory.
Literally 'not clear,' used for speech, writing, or images that lack clarity. Slightly more formal than 曖昧.
その指示は不明瞭だった。
The instructions were imprecise.
Describes something vague and lacking concrete details, often used for ideas, plans, or feelings.
漠然とした不安がある。
I have an imprecise sense of anxiety.
Describing numbers, data, or measurements that are not exact or accurate.
Directly means 'inaccurate' or 'imprecise' for data, measurements, or facts. Commonly used in technical contexts.
このデータは不正確だ。
This data is imprecise.
不正確な測定結果が出た。
We got imprecise measurement results.
Means 'rough' or 'approximate,' often implying a lack of precision but acceptable in casual contexts. Can be negative if precision is expected.
Loanword from English 'about,' used colloquially to mean approximate or imprecise, often with a negative nuance of being sloppy.
Describing words or expressions that are not strictly defined or used loosely.
Literally 'words are insufficient,' used when someone's explanation is imprecise due to lack of detail.
言葉が足りなくて誤解された。
I was misunderstood because my wording was imprecise.
Loanword meaning 'loose,' used for imprecise language or thinking. Often negative.
彼の言い方はルーズだ。
His way of speaking is imprecise.
Describing thoughts, ideas, or understanding that lack clarity or precision.
A very common phrase meaning 'not clear' or 'vague,' used for thoughts, opinions, or situations.
彼の意見ははっきりしない。
His opinion is imprecise.
Describes something uncertain, unreliable, or fuzzy, often used for knowledge or memory.
あやふやな知識で答えた。
I answered with imprecise knowledge.
曖昧 (aimai) is used for vagueness or ambiguity in meaning, while 不正確 (fuseikaku) is used for factual inaccuracy or imprecision in data. Use 曖昧 for unclear statements and 不正確 for wrong numbers.
曖昧な表現を避けてください。
Please avoid imprecise expressions.
不正確な情報が広まった。
Imprecise information spread.
不正確 implies factual error, not just lack of clarity. For vague wording, use 曖昧 or 不明瞭 instead.
大雑把な計算でいい？
Is an imprecise calculation okay?
彼の仕事はアバウトすぎる。
His work is too imprecise.