Have you ever needed to describe something as blurry in Japanese? Whether you want to express this concept in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with the necessary vocabulary and phrases. We’ll explore regional variations only if necessary, but our main focus will be on standard Japanese. Read on to discover multiple ways to say “blurry” in Japanese, along with helpful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say “Blurry” in Japanese
If you are looking for a formal way to describe something as blurry in Japanese, you can use the following expressions:
1. 漠然とした（ばくぜんとした）
この絵は漠然とした姿しか見えません。
Kono e wa bakuzen toshita sugata shika miemasen.
I can only see a blurry figure in this painting.
2. ぼやけた（ぼやけた）
この写真はぼやけていて、顔がよく見えません。
Kono shashin wa boyakete ite, kao ga yoku miemasen.
This photo is blurry, and I can’t see the face clearly.
While these phrases are a bit more formal, they are commonly used in various situations where politeness is required. Now, let’s explore some more informal alternatives.
Informal Ways to Say “Blurry” in Japanese
If you are in a casual context or speaking with friends, you can use the following expressions to describe something as blurry:
1. ぼんやりした（ぼんやりした）
彼の写真はぼんやりしていて、何が写っているか全然分からない。
Kare no shashin wa bonyari shiteite, nani ga utte iru ka zenzen wakaranai.
His photo is blurry, and I can’t tell what’s captured in it at all.
2. ぼんやりとした（ぼんやりとした）
映画がぼんやりとした映像で表示された。
Eiga ga bonyari to shita eizō de hyōji sareta.
The movie was displayed with a blurry image.
These informal phrases are often used among friends or when you want to adopt a more casual tone. Next, let’s take a look at some examples that illustrate the usage of these phrases in different contexts.
Examples of Using “Blurry” in Japanese
Now that we’ve explored both formal and informal ways to say “blurry” in Japanese, let’s dive into some practical examples to help you understand their usage in various contexts:
1. In a Photography Discussion:
写真の被写体がぼんやりしていると、表現したいものが伝わりにくくなる。
Shashin no hishatai ga bonyari shite iru to, hyōgen shitai mono ga tsutawarinikuku naru.
When the subject of a photo is blurry, it becomes difficult to convey what you want to express.
2. Describing a Hazy Memory:
その日の出来事はぼんやりとした記憶にしか残っていない。
Sono hi no dekigoto wa bonyari to shita kioku ni shika nokotte inai.
The events of that day remain only as a blurry memory.
3. Talking About Blurry Vision:
夜道を歩くとき、遠くの光がぼんやり見えます。
Yomichi o aruku toki, tōku no hikari ga bonyari miemasu.
When walking on the street at night, distant lights appear blurry.
As you can see from these examples, the usage of the various phrases for “blurry” depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.
Wrapping Up
Now you are equipped with several ways to express “blurry” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Whether you’re discussing photography, memories, or even visual impairments, these phrases will help you effectively communicate your thoughts.
Remember, when using formal phrases such as “漠然とした” (bakuzen toshita) or “ぼやけた” (boyaketa), you’ll maintain a respectful tone. If you’re in a casual situation, opt for “ぼんやりした” (bonyari shita) or “ぼんやりとした” (bonyari to shita) to convey a more friendly or relaxed atmosphere.
By adopting these expressions into your Japanese vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to describe blurry situations and objects, making your conversations more engaging and accurate. Enjoy expanding your linguistic capabilities, and have fun exploring the intriguing world of the Japanese language!
