adjective / verb HSK 5
vague · ambiguous · unclear · to be evasive
Meaning
含糊 describes speech, writing, or attitudes that lack clarity or precision. It can refer to deliberately evasive language or simply unclear expression where meaning is difficult to grasp. The word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that clarity would be preferable.
Usage
Commonly used to criticize unclear communication or evasive responses. Often appears in the phrase 含糊其辞 (to speak evasively) or 含含糊糊 (vague and unclear, reduplicated form for emphasis). Can describe both intentional ambiguity and unintentional lack of clarity.
Examples
- 01他的回答很含糊，我们根本不知道他到底同不同意。, .His answer was very vague; we simply don't know whether he agrees or not.
- 02合同里的条款写得太含糊了，容易引起纠纷。, .The terms in the contract are written too ambiguously and can easily cause disputes.
Characters
Common collocations
- 含糊其辞to speak evasively
- 含含糊糊vague and unclear (reduplicated)
- 态度含糊to have a vague attitude
- 说得含糊to speak unclearly
Antonyms
Origin
The combination suggests something 'held in' (含) and 'muddled' (糊), creating the sense of unclear or vague expression that is not directly stated.