混迷

• Reading: こんめい
• Romaji: konmei
• Kanji breakdown: 混 (kon) — mix, disorder; 迷 (mei) — lose one's way, be confused
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɲ.me.i/

Meaning

Confusion; bewilderment; turmoil; a situation that has become deeply muddled.

A noun (also する verb) describing a state of deep confusion in which direction or resolution is unclear. Commonly applied to political situations, economic crises, or prolonged social instability. More specifically about being lost or unable to find a way out than the cosmological overtones of 混沌.

Examples

1. 政局は混迷を極め、解散総選挙が現実味を帯びてきた。 The political situation has reached the height of confusion, and a snap election is becoming a real possibility.
2. 長期にわたる経済の混迷が、国民の閉塞感を生んでいる。 The prolonged economic turmoil is creating a sense of stagnation among the people.
3. 交渉は混迷し、両者の溝は埋まる気配がなかった。 The negotiations fell into disarray, and there was no sign of the gap between the two sides being bridged.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, economics, journalism, diplomacy

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 混 (kon, mix/disorder) and 迷 (mei, lose one's way/be confused). The combination emphasises both the disordered state and the loss of direction — a muddled situation with no clear path forward.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal