1.
chaos, disorder, confusion
A state where everything is mixed together without order or distinction. Can describe political situations, social conditions, or any disorderly state of affairs.
政局は混沌としている。
The political situation is chaotic.
戦後の混沌とした時代を生き抜いた。
They survived the chaotic postwar era.
情報が多すぎて頭の中が混沌としてきた。
There is too much information and my mind has become muddled.
USAGE:
Most commonly used in the form 混沌とした (chaotic, disordered) or 混沌としている (is in a state of chaos). Grammatically functions as a taru-adjective: 混沌とした状態 (a chaotic state).
Also written in katakana as カオス (from English "chaos"), which is more casual and common in everyday speech and internet culture.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 混沌とした状況: chaotic situation
- 混沌とした時代: chaotic era
- 混沌としている: to be in chaos
- 混沌の中: in the midst of chaos