うやむや
うやむや
na-adjective
vague; ambiguous; inconclusive
1.
vague; ambiguous; hazy; inconclusive
a state where something is left unclear, unresolved, or deliberately obscured
問題がうやむやになった。
The problem was left unresolved.
責任をうやむやにする。
To avoid clearly assigning responsibility.
話をうやむやにしないでください。
Please don't leave things vague.
ETYMOLOGY:
From 有耶無耶 - literally "is it there or is it not there," expressing uncertainty.
USAGE PATTERNS:
- うやむやになる (to become vague/unclear)
- うやむやにする (to make something vague, to obscure)
- うやむやな返事 (vague answer)
NUANCE:
Often used with negative connotation, implying that something was deliberately left unclear to avoid accountability or difficult conclusions.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- あやふや (uncertain, unreliable)
- 曖昧 (ambiguous)
- 不明瞭 (unclear)