微妙(びみょう)

びみょう
na-adjective
subtle, delicate
1. subtle, delicate
Difficult to perceive or describe precisely; requiring careful distinction.
二(ふた)つの色(いろ)の違(ちが)いは微妙(びみょう)だ。
The difference between the two colors is subtle.
彼(かれ)との関係(かんけい)は微妙(びみょう)になってきた。
My relationship with him has become delicate/complicated.
微妙(びみょう)な味(あじ)の違(ちが)いが分(わ)かるようになった。
I've become able to tell subtle differences in flavor.
2. iffy, questionable (colloquial)
In casual speech, used to express uncertainty or a lukewarm response. A softer way to say something isn't quite good.
「この料理(りょうり)どう？」「うーん、微妙(びみょう)…」
"How's this dish?" "Hmm, not great..."
Colloquial usage meaning 'not good' or 'questionable'
「明日(あした)来(こ)られる？」「微妙(びみょう)。まだ分(わ)からない。」
"Can you come tomorrow?" "Not sure. I don't know yet."
あの映画(えいが)、微妙(びみょう)だったね。期待(きたい)はずれだった。
That movie was so-so, wasn't it? It didn't live up to expectations.

USAGE: 微妙(びみょう) has two distinct usages:

1. Traditional meaning: subtle, delicate, requiring careful attention to perceive or handle
2. Colloquial meaning: iffy, questionable, not quite satisfactory (especially among younger speakers)

COMMON PATTERNS:

FORMS:

  • 微妙(びみょう)に (subtly, delicately)

Related Words

Related: ビミョー (slang variant)
general
Added 2026.1.13 0:30 · Revised 2026.5.27 2:11
03500/03589_bimyou