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.
朧げな記憶しかない。
I only have a vague memory.
昔のことを朧げに覚えている。
I faintly remember things from long ago.
祖母の顔は朧げにしか思い出せないが、優しい声だけは今でもはっきり覚えている。
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 means hazy (as in a hazy moon), and the げ suffix adds the meaning of "appearing to be" or "seeming."
USAGE:
- 朧げな + noun: vague/faint (adjectival)
- 朧げに + verb: vaguely, faintly (adverbial)
- Most often paired with memory-related words
- Has a literary, slightly melancholic tone
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 朧げな記憶: a vague memory
- 朧げに覚えている: to faintly remember
- 朧げな印象: a dim impression
- 朧げながら: though vaguely; while not clearly
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 曖昧: 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
- 漠然と: vaguely — more abstract; used for ideas and feelings