言葉(ことば)を濁(にご)す

ことばをにごす
expression
to equivocate; to be evasive; to speak vaguely
communication
1. to equivocate; to be evasive; to give a vague answer
To deliberately avoid giving a clear or direct answer by speaking vaguely or ambiguously. The literal image is of 'muddying one's words,' making them unclear like cloudy water.
彼(かれ)は言葉(ことば)を濁(にご)した。
He gave a vague answer.
都合(つごう)の悪(わる)い質問(しつもん)には言葉(ことば)を濁(にご)すことが多(おお)い。
People often give evasive answers to inconvenient questions.
記者(きしゃ)に問(と)い詰(つ)められても、大臣(だいじん)は言葉(ことば)を濁(にご)して明確(めいかく)な回答(かいとう)を避(さ)けた。
Even when pressed by reporters, the minister equivocated and avoided giving a clear answer.

An idiomatic expression built on the verb 濁(にご)す (to make murky/cloudy). Just as stirring sediment clouds water, muddying one's words makes the intended meaning hard to discern.

Common patterns

  • 言葉(ことば)を濁(にご)して...: speaking vaguely, (then)...
  • 言葉(ことば)を濁(にご)すばかりで: just equivocating without...

Usage

Usually describes someone being deliberately evasive, often in situations where they want to avoid responsibility or confrontation. It carries a mildly negative nuance, implying that the speaker is being dishonest or at least unhelpful.

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: お茶(ちゃ)を濁(にご)す (to give a vague answer)
general
Added 2026.4.21 19:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
24500/24846_kotobawonigosu