朧(おぼろ)げ

おぼろげ

na-adjective

faint; vague; dim; hazy

1. faint; vague; dim; hazy

Describes something perceived only indistinctly, most commonly applied to memories or impressions that are unclear and lacking in sharp detail.

朧(おぼろ)げな記憶(きおく)しかない。

I only have a vague memory.

昔(むかし)のことを朧(おぼろ)げに覚(おぼ)えている。

I faintly remember things from long ago.

祖母(そぼ)の顔(かお)は朧(おぼろ)げにしか思(おも)い出(だ)せないが、優(やさ)しい声(こえ)だけは今(いま)でもはっきり覚(おぼ)えている。

I can only vaguely recall my grandmother's face, but I still clearly remember her gentle voice.

Describes something that is not clearly perceived — faint, hazy, or indistinct. Most commonly used for memories, impressions, and visual perceptions. The base word 朧(おぼろ) means hazy (as in a hazy moon), and the げ suffix adds the meaning of "appearing to be" or "seeming."

Usage

朧(おぼろ)げな + noun: vague/faint (adjectival)
朧(おぼろ)げに + verb: vaguely, faintly (adverbial)
Most often paired with memory-related words
Has a literary, slightly melancholic tone

Common collocations

朧(おぼろ)げな記憶(きおく): a vague memory
朧(おぼろ)げに覚(おぼ)えている: to faintly remember
朧(おぼろ)げな印象(いんしょう): a dim impression
朧(おぼろ)げながら: though vaguely; while not clearly

Similar words

曖昧(あいまい): ambiguous, vague — implies lack of precision or clarity in meaning
ぼんやり: vaguely, dimly — more casual and everyday
うっすら: faintly, slightly — lighter and less literary
漠然(ばくぜん)と: vaguely — more abstract; used for ideas and feelings

Related Words

Compare: 曖昧(あいまい) (ambiguous, vague)

Compare: ぼんやり (vaguely, dimly)

Compare: 漠然(ばくぜん)と (vaguely)

Related: 漠然(ばくぜん) (vague, hazy, obscure)

Compare: 朦朧(もうろう) (hazy)

general

Added 2026.4.2 21:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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