謎

• Reading: なぞ
• Romaji: nazo
• Kanji breakdown: 謎 (mei/nazo) — riddle, mystery
• Pronunciation: /na.zo/

Meaning

A riddle, puzzle, or enigma; something mysterious and unexplained.

A noun referring to mysteries, riddles, or unsolved puzzles. Used both for literal riddles (なぞなぞ, nazonazo) and figurative mysteries. Common expressions: 謎を解く (nazo wo toku, to solve a mystery), 謎に包まれる (nazo ni tsutsumareru, to be shrouded in mystery). Very common in detective fiction and mystery genres.

Examples

1. この事件にはまだ多くの謎が残っている。 There are still many mysteries remaining in this case.
2. 彼女が突然辞めた理由は謎だ。 The reason she suddenly quit is a mystery.
3. 子供たちは謎を解くゲームに夢中になった。 The kids were absorbed in a mystery-solving game.

Usage Guide

Context: mystery, conversation, media

Tone: intriguing

Origin & History

The kanji 謎 combines 言 (speech/words) and 迷 (to be lost/confused), capturing the idea of words that lead to confusion — a riddle.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal