1.
vaguely; dimly; obscurely; in a hazy way
Describes a state where something is unclear, undefined, or lacking concrete form. Used for thoughts, feelings, memories, and impressions that are not sharply defined.
将来のことを漠然と考えている。
I'm vaguely thinking about the future.
漠然とした不安を感じていた。
I was feeling a vague sense of anxiety.
子供の頃、漠然と海外で暮らしたいと思っていたが、具体的な計画はなかった。
When I was a child, I vaguely wanted to live abroad, but I had no concrete plans.
USAGE:
Also used as a たる-adjective (漠然たる) in literary contexts, and as a とした-adjective (漠然とした) which is more common in everyday use. The adverbial form 漠然と modifies verbs of thinking, feeling, and perceiving.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 漠然とした不安 (a vague anxiety)
- 漠然としたイメージ (a vague image)
- 漠然と感じる (to feel vaguely)
- 漠然と考える (to think vaguely)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ぼんやり: vaguely, absentmindedly — more colloquial; can also mean absent-minded or dazed
- なんとなく: somehow, for some reason — more casual and conversational