Translation guide
The English word "indefinite" is used to describe things that are not clearly defined, have no fixed limit, or are vague in time, amount, or nature. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for these meanings, from formal written terms to everyday spoken phrases.
Describing something that is unclear, ambiguous, or not precisely determined.
A formal adjective meaning 'unclear' or 'vague', often used in official or written contexts.
計画の詳細はまだ不明確です。
The details of the plan are still indefinite.
Commonly used for 'ambiguous' or 'vague', suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼の返事は曖昧だった。
His answer was indefinite.
Describes something vague or hazy, often used for abstract ideas or feelings.
漠然とした不安がある。
I have an indefinite anxiety.
Referring to a period that is not specified or has no set end.
A formal phrase meaning 'deadline undecided' or 'indefinite period', used in business or official settings.
プロジェクトは期限未定で延期された。
The project was postponed for an indefinite period.
Means 'indefinite' or 'without a deadline', often used for suspensions or delays.
ストライキは無期限で続いている。
The strike continues indefinitely.
A natural spoken phrase meaning 'it hasn't been decided until when', conveying indefiniteness in casual conversation.
待ってほしいけど、いつまでとは決まっていない。
I want you to wait, but it's indefinite how long.
Describing a quantity that is not fixed or has no clear boundary.
A technical term meaning 'indefinite' or 'indeterminate', used in mathematics, science, or formal contexts.
不定積分を求める。
Find the indefinite integral.
A plain way to say 'the number is not fixed', used in everyday speech.
参加者の数はまだ決まっていない。
The number of participants is still indefinite.
Referring to non-specific things or people, like 'a' or 'some' in English.
Japanese does not have articles. Indefiniteness is often implied by context or by using words like ある (a certain) or 何か (something).
本を読んでいる。
I am reading a book. (indefinite)
ある日、彼は来なかった。
One day (an indefinite day), he didn't come.
Means 'something' or 'anything', used for indefinite objects.
何か飲みたい。
I want to drink something (indefinite).
Means 'someone' or 'anyone', used for indefinite persons.
誰かがドアをノックした。
Someone (indefinite) knocked on the door.
Directly translating 'indefinite' as 不明確 or 曖昧 may sound too formal or unnatural in casual speech. Use context-appropriate phrases like まだ決まっていない (not decided yet) or いつまでかわからない (don't know until when) for everyday situations.