Translation guide
Describes water, air, or situations that are dark, cloudy, unclear, or suspicious. Japanese uses different words for physical murkiness versus metaphorical obscurity.
Describe water, air, or other substances that are dark, cloudy, or full of particles, making it hard to see through.
The most common word for murky water or liquid. It implies cloudiness or impurity, often from suspended particles.
川の水が濁っている。
The river water is murky.
You shouldn't swim in a murky pond.
Noun form meaning 'murkiness' or 'cloudiness'. Often used in compound words or to describe the state of a liquid.
この水は濁りがある。
This water has some murkiness.
A more formal or technical term for turbid or muddy, often used in scientific or medical contexts.
混濁した尿は病気のサインかもしれない。
Turbid urine may be a sign of illness.
Describe an environment that is dark, dim, or shadowy, often with a sense of gloom or obscurity.
Describes a dimly lit, gloomy place. It focuses on the lack of light rather than particles in the air.
森の中は薄暗くて、少し怖かった。
It was murky and a bit scary in the forest.
薄暗い部屋で本を読むと目が悪くなるよ。
Reading in a murky room will ruin your eyes.
Describes a heavy, overcast sky or a dull, gloomy atmosphere. Often used for weather or mood.
空がどんよりしていて、今にも雨が降りそうだ。
The sky is murky and looks like it's about to rain.
Literally 'cloudy', but can be used for murky glass, mirrors, or eyes. Implies a foggy or misted-over surface.
窓が曇っていて外が見えない。
The window is murky and I can't see outside.
Describe something that is not clearly expressed, understood, or remembered; hazy or ambiguous.
Means vague, ambiguous, or unclear. Used for statements, memories, or boundaries that lack clarity.
彼の説明は曖昧で、何を言いたいのかわからなかった。
His explanation was murky and I couldn't understand what he wanted to say.
事件の詳細はまだ曖昧だ。
The details of the incident are still murky.
Means unclear or indistinct. Slightly more formal than 曖昧, often used for sounds, images, or statements.
録音が不明瞭で、何を話しているか聞き取れない。
The recording is murky and I can't make out what they're saying.
Describes something hazy, faint, or not clearly defined, like a memory or an outline. Also used for a person who is spacing out.
子供の頃の記憶はぼんやりしている。
My childhood memories are murky.
Describe a person, situation, or action that seems dishonest, secretive, or morally dubious.
The go-to word for suspicious, shady, or dubious. Covers a wide range from 'sketchy person' to 'questionable deal'.
あの男は怪しい。ずっとこっちを見ている。
That man is murky. He keeps looking this way.
その会社の経理には怪しい点が多い。
There are many murky points in that company's accounting.
濁った is for physical murkiness of liquids or air. 薄暗い is for dim, gloomy light conditions. 怪しい is for suspicious people or situations. Don't use 濁った for a suspicious person.
濁った is only for physical cloudiness. For vague explanations, use 曖昧な or 不明瞭な.
Means shady, disreputable, or of questionable character. Often used for businesses, offers, or people that seem untrustworthy.
いかがわしい儲け話に手を出してはいけない。
Don't get involved in murky money-making schemes.
Very colloquial and strong word for suspicious or fishy. Implies something smells rotten.
あのセールスマン、胡散臭いな。
That salesman seems really murky.