不思議
fushigi[ɸɯ̟̊ɕiɡʲi]
The English verb 'wonder' is translated into Japanese as 不思議 (fushigi).
In Japanese, 不思議 often leans more toward the sense of something being 'strange', 'odd' or 'puzzling' rather than just a sense of awe.
Meaning: to ponder about something (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 不 (not) and 思議 (thought/reasoning), literally meaning something that defies reason or is inexplicable.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 不思議 as an adjective to describe a state of being mysterious or strange, it is used as a na-adjective (不思議だ/不思議な). The form 不思議な (fushigi na) is used as a pre-noun adjectival to modify nouns, such as 'a mysterious story'.
How do you pronounce it?
fushigi
Did you know?
- The term 不思議 originated as a Buddhist translation for things that are 'unfathomable' or beyond human comprehension.
- Using 不思議 to describe a person can be a subtle way of calling them eccentric or odd rather than just 'wonderful'.
- In Japanese, the concept of a 'wonder' or 'miracle' is often expressed using the same word for 'strange' or 'mysterious'.
Examples in context
- この寒さで、学校が休みにならないのが不思議だわ。I wonder why school isn't being canceled when it's this cold.This sentence is useful for using the form 不思議 to express wondering about a situation.Tatoeba #11457362 by small_snow, translation #10184879 by AlanF_US
- どうして彼らはトムを選んだのか、不思議に思います。I wonder why they chose Tom.This sentence demonstrates how to use the concept of wondering about a choice.Tatoeba #5348350 by pekerappo, translation #2543719 by CK
- バナウエ棚田は時折「世界八番目の不思議」と呼ばれます。The Banaue Rice Terraces are occasionally called the "Eighth Wonder of the World".This sentence shows how 不思議 is used to translate 'wonder' in the context of a 'wonder of the world'.Tatoeba #9853729 by small_snow, translation #9849328 by Hybrid
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are looking at a mysterious glowing light in the forest.
- 陽太 Yotaあの光、どこから来るのか不思議だね。Ano hikari, doko kara kuru no ka fushigi dane.I wonder where that light is coming from.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね、なんだか不思議な感じがする。Honto dane, nandaka fushigi na kanji ga suru.True, it feels somewhat mysterious.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、あそこまで行ってみる？Himari, asoko made itte miru?Himari, do you want to try going over there?
- 陽葵 Himariちょっと怖いけど、行ってみよう！Chotto kowai kedo, itte miyou!It's a little scary, but let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 不思議, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
