微妙
bimyou
The Japanese phrase for 'meh' is 微妙 (bimyou).
In slang, 微妙 is used to express indifference or lack of enthusiasm. While it can be used to describe something that is just 'so-so' (similar to the informal expression まあまあ), it is frequently used colloquially to suggest that something is 'not quite right'. When a speaker wants to emphasize this sense of dissatisfaction or hesitation, they often trail the word off, saying 微妙… to convey a 'meh…' feeling.
Meaning: slang: expressing indifference or lack of enthusiasm (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 微妙 means 'subtle' or 'delicate'. In everyday conversation, this meaning shifts to imply that a situation or object is not quite right or is somewhat questionable.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While 微妙 is a standard adjective, using it to mean 'meh' or 'not good' is a common informal usage, particularly among younger speakers.
How do you pronounce it?
bimyou
Did you know?
- Because the word implies something is 'not quite right', using 微妙 to describe a person's character can be a very polite, indirect way of saying they are 'dodgy' or 'untrustworthy'.
- Depending on the tone, 微妙 can be used as a polite way to reject a date or an invitation. It signals that the timing or the idea is 'not quite right' without having to say 'no' explicitly.
- In its original, formal sense, 微妙 is often used in high-end art or culinary contexts to describe a 'subtle' or 'exquisite' balance of flavors and colors.
Examples in context
- 友達: 今日の映画はどうだった？ あなた: まあまあだったよ。Friend: How was today's movie? You: It was so-so.
- 兄: テストで100点を取った！ あなた: どうってことないじゃん。Brother: I scored 100 on the test! You: It's not a big deal.
- この映画、微妙だね。Kono eiga, bimyou dane.This movie is just meh.
- 味は微妙でした。Aji wa bimyou deshita.The taste was nothing special.
- 今日のテスト、微妙な感じ。Kyou no tesuto, bimyou na kanji.Today's test was kind of meh.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new cafe they visited.
- 蓮 Ren新しいカフェ、どうだった？Atarashii kafe, dou datta?How was the new cafe?
- 陽葵 Himariうーん、微妙だったかな。Uun, bimyou datta kana.Hmm, it was kind of meh.
- 蓮 Renコーヒーは美味しかった？Koohii wa oishikatta?Was the coffee good?
- 陽葵 Himari全然、微妙だよ。Zenzen, bimyou dayo.Not at all, it was just meh.
