1.
puzzle-solving; solving a riddle; mystery-solving
The act of solving puzzles, riddles, or mysteries. Also used for the genre of entertainment based on solving puzzles.
Composed of なぞ (riddle, mystery) + 解き (solving, from 解く). Can also be written as 謎解き with kanji. The word covers a broad range from children's riddles to elaborate escape rooms and detective fiction.
Common collocations
- なぞ解きゲーム: puzzle-solving game
- なぞ解きイベント: puzzle-solving event
- なぞ解きに挑戦する: take on a puzzle challenge
- なぞ解き脱出ゲーム: escape room game
Cultural note
Puzzle-solving entertainment has become extremely popular in Japan. 謎解き脱出ゲーム (escape room games) are a major form of group entertainment, with venues in most cities. TV shows and manga also feature なぞ解き as a core element, especially in the detective genre.