Translation guide
The English word 'puzzle' can refer to a jigsaw puzzle, a riddle or brain-teaser, or a confusing situation. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A game or toy consisting of many interlocking pieces that form a picture when assembled.
The most common and general word for 'puzzle', especially jigsaw puzzles. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
週末に1000ピースのパズルを完成させた。
I completed a 1000-piece puzzle over the weekend.
Specifically means 'jigsaw puzzle'. Use this when you want to be precise about the type of puzzle.
子供の頃、ジグソーパズルが大好きだった。
When I was a child, I loved jigsaw puzzles.
A question, problem, or toy designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.
Refers to a riddle, mystery, or something puzzling. Often used in the phrase '謎を解く' (solve a riddle).
この謎が解けますか？
Can you solve this riddle?
Also used for brain-teasers and logic puzzles, not just jigsaw puzzles.
このパズルは難しい。
This puzzle is difficult.
A traditional Japanese picture puzzle or rebus. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Something that is difficult to understand or explain.
Used for mysteries, enigmas, or anything baffling. Common in phrases like '謎の人物' (mysterious person).
彼の行動は謎だ。
His behavior is a puzzle.
Means 'incomprehensible' or 'unfathomable'. Often used as an adjective (不可解な) to describe puzzling things.
Literally 'to make one's head worry', meaning to be puzzled or perplexed by something.
その問題は私を頭を悩ませた。
That problem puzzled me.
この数学の問題は本当に頭を悩ませる。
This math problem is a real puzzle.
彼女はパズルを解くのが好きだ。
She enjoys solving puzzles.
江戸時代の判じ物を解読する。
Decipher an Edo-period rebus.
Her reply was puzzling.