1.
mysterious; inexplicable; beyond comprehension
Something that cannot be understood or explained through normal reasoning. Often describes phenomena or events that defy logical explanation.
不可思議な体験をした。
I had a mysterious experience.
宇宙には不可思議なことが多い。
There are many inexplicable things in the universe.
2.
wonder; marvel; mysterious phenomenon
A mysterious occurrence or thing worthy of wonder.
世界の七不可思議を巡る旅に出た。
I set off on a journey to visit the Seven Wonders of the World.
COMPOUND STRUCTURE:
不 (not) + 可 (possible) + 思議 (to fathom/comprehend)
Literally "not possible to comprehend" - beyond the reach of thought or reason.
BUDDHIST ORIGIN:
Originally a Buddhist term referring to the ineffable nature of enlightenment and divine mysteries that transcend human understanding.
GRAMMAR:
- 不可思議な + noun - mysterious ~
- 不可思議に思う - to find mysterious
- 〜は不可思議だ - ~ is inexplicable
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 世界の七不可思議 - Seven Wonders of the World
- 不可思議な現象 - mysterious phenomenon
- 不可思議な出来事 - inexplicable event
NUANCE:
Stronger than 不思議 (strange, mysterious). 不可思議 implies something truly beyond human comprehension, while 不思議 can be used for everyday curiosities.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 不思議 - strange, mysterious (more common, lighter)
- 神秘的 - mystical
- 謎 - mystery, riddle
- 怪奇 - bizarre, weird
REGISTER:
Slightly formal/literary. Often used in dramatic or philosophical contexts.