言葉を濁す

• Reading: ことばをにごす
• Romaji: kotoba wo nigosu
• Kanji breakdown: 言 (koto) — words | 葉 (ba/ha) — leaf (words) | 濁 (nigo) — to muddy, to make turbid
• Pronunciation: /ko.to.ba o ni.ɡo.sɯ/

Meaning

To speak evasively; to be deliberately vague; to equivocate rather than giving a clear answer.

An idiomatic expression combining 言葉 (words) and 濁す (to muddy, to make unclear). The image is of stirring up sediment so that the water — the meaning — becomes impossible to see through. Used when someone avoids committing to a direct statement, often to dodge responsibility or spare feelings. The negative form 言葉を濁さず (speaking without evasion) is equally common.

Examples

1. 直接断るのが嫌で言葉を濁したせいで、相手に期待を持たせてしまった。 Because he didn't want to refuse directly, he was deliberately vague, which ended up giving the other person false hope.
2. 記者の質問に言葉を濁す政治家の姿が、不信感を一層高めた。 The sight of the politician being evasive in response to reporters' questions only deepened the public's distrust.
3. 肝心な場面で言葉を濁さず、はっきりと意思を伝えることが大切だ。 At critical moments, it's important not to equivocate but to clearly express your intentions.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, interpersonal, business, social critique

Tone: negative

Origin & History

濁す derives from 濁る (to become muddy, to become unclear). The metaphor of muddying one's words to obscure their meaning appears across East Asian literary traditions and remains vivid in contemporary Japanese usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General