暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)

あんちゅうもさく
noun, suru verb
groping in the dark, trial and error
1. groping in the dark, trial and error
Searching for a solution without clear guidance or direction; trying to find one's way when the path is unclear.
新(あたら)しい事業(じぎょう)は暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)の連続(れんぞく)だ。
Starting a new business is a continuous process of trial and error.
解決策(かいけつさく)を求(もと)めて暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)している。
We are groping in the dark searching for a solution.
暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)の末(すえ)、ようやく答(こた)えを見(み)つけた。
After much trial and error, we finally found the answer.

TYPE: 四字熟語(よじじゅくご) (four-character compound)

COMPOSITION:

  • 暗中(あんちゅう) (in the dark) + 模索(もさく) (searching, groping)
  • Literally: "groping in darkness"

ETYMOLOGY:
From Classical Chinese. Describes the state of searching blindly for something without clear guidance or visibility.

USAGE PATTERNS:

  • 暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)する (to grope in the dark)
  • 暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)の状態(じょうたい) (state of uncertainty)
  • 暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)の中(なか)で (while groping in the dark)
  • 暗中模索(あんちゅうもさく)を続(つづ)ける (to continue trial and error)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 試行錯誤(しこうさくご) (trial and error - more systematic)
  • 手探(てさぐ)り (groping, feeling one's way)
  • 五里霧中(ごりむちゅう) (lost in fog - emphasizes confusion)

CONTEXTS:
Often used in business, research, and creative contexts where the path forward is unclear. Not negative—implies determination despite uncertainty.

Related Words

Synonym: 試行錯誤(しこうさくご) (trial and error)
general
Added 2026.1.17 23:47 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06458_anchuumosaku