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B2 adjective-na #6,000 most common 10 min read

不透明

futoumei Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不透明 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不透明 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'futoumei' very often, as it is a complex word. However, you can learn it as a basic word for 'not clear.' Think of it like this: 'toumei' means clear like water or glass. 'Fu' makes it the opposite. So, 'futoumei' is like a wall or dirty water that you cannot see through. In very simple Japanese, you might use it to describe a glass that is not see-through. Even at this level, knowing that 'fu' means 'not' is a great way to start building your vocabulary. You can practice by looking at objects around you and deciding if they are 'toumei' (clear) or 'futoumei' (not clear). For example, a window is usually toumei, but a wooden door is futoumei. This helps you understand the physical meaning before you learn the harder, social meanings later on.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'futoumei' to describe simple situations where things are 'unclear' or 'uncertain.' You might hear it in simple news clips or read it in graded readers. You should focus on the grammar: it is a 'na-adjective.' This means you say 'futoumei na...' when describing a noun. For example, 'futoumei na mizu' (opaque/unclear water). You can also use it to talk about simple plans that are not yet decided, although 'mada wakarimasen' is more common. Learning 'futoumei' now will help you when you start reading more formal Japanese later. Try to remember it as the opposite of 'toumei' (transparent), which is a word you might use for clear plastic folders or clear umbrellas (toumei-gasa), which are very common in Japan.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use 'futoumei' in its metaphorical sense. This is where the word really becomes useful. You can use it to talk about the future or about rules that are hard to understand. For example, if you are discussing a school rule or a company policy that doesn't make sense, you could say it is 'futoumei.' This sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'yoku wakarimasen.' You should also learn the common phrase 'saki-yuki futoumei,' which means the future outlook is uncertain. This is a very frequent phrase in business and news. You will also start to see the word in kanji (不透明) more often, so make sure you can recognize all three characters. It is a key word for moving from 'daily conversation' to 'societal discussion.'

At the B2 level, 'futoumei' should be a regular part of your vocabulary, especially for writing and formal speaking. You are expected to understand the nuance of 'lack of transparency' in governance and business. When you hear about a political scandal, you should be able to explain that the 'flow of money' (kane no nagare) is 'futoumei.' You should also be able to distinguish 'futoumei' from similar words like 'aimai' (ambiguous) and 'fumeiryou' (indistinct). At this level, you can use the word to critique systems. For instance, you might argue that a university's entrance exam process is 'futoumei' if the criteria aren't public. You should also be comfortable using the noun form 'futoumei-sa' (opacity) or 'futoumei-kan' (a sense of uncertainty).

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle rhetorical uses of 'futoumei.' You can use it to describe complex economic trends, philosophical uncertainties, or intricate social phenomena. You should be able to read high-level editorials in the Asahi or Nikkei Shimbun where 'futoumei' is used to describe the geopolitical climate or the 'black box' nature of AI algorithms. At this level, you can also use the word in creative writing to describe a character's murky motivations or a stifling, opaque atmosphere in a story. You should understand how the word interacts with formal grammar like '...ni ari, saki-yuki wa futoumei wo kiwameteiru' (is in a state of..., and the future outlook is extremely opaque). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight as a tool for social and logical analysis.

At the C2 level, 'futoumei' is a word you use with precision and flair. You understand its historical context and its role in the discourse of Japanese 'Accountability.' You can use it to discuss the 'futoumei-sei' of international treaties or the structural opacity of the Japanese 'Keiretsu' system. You can engage in deep debates about whether 'transparency' (toumei-sei) is always a virtue, or if a certain level of 'futoumei-sa' is necessary for social harmony (wa). You are able to interpret the word's use in legal documents, high-level policy papers, and classical-style modern literature. Your ability to use 'futoumei' and its related compounds (like 'futoumei-ka' - the process of becoming opaque) allows you to express complex, abstract thoughts with the same nuance as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不透明 in 30 Seconds

不透明 (futoumei) means 'opaque' or 'lacking transparency,' used for both physical objects and abstract social/economic situations where the truth or future is hidden.
It is a formal na-adjective frequently found in news, business reports, and political critiques to describe 'black box' processes or uncertain market outlooks.
While it literally means light cannot pass through, its metaphorical use for 'shady' or 'unpredictable' is far more common in advanced Japanese discourse.
Always remember the 'na' when modifying nouns and avoid using it for simple 'blurry' images or 'vague' words where 'fumeiryou' or 'aimai' are better.

The word 不透明 (futoumei) is a powerful and versatile Japanese compound that every intermediate to advanced learner must master. At its most basic, physical level, it describes something that light cannot pass through—literally 'opaque.' However, its true frequency in Japanese society lies in its metaphorical application. When you read a Japanese newspaper or watch the news, you will encounter this word constantly in the context of politics, economics, and social issues. It describes a lack of transparency, a state where the 'inside' cannot be seen from the 'outside,' leading to suspicion, uncertainty, or concern. Understanding this word requires looking at its three constituent kanji: 不 (fu - not), 透 (tou - transparent/pass through), and 明 (mei - bright/clear). Together, they paint a picture of something that is not clear and does not allow light to penetrate, effectively shrouding the truth or the future in shadow.

Physical Opaque: Used to describe materials like frosted glass, thick liquids, or dense clouds. If you cannot see what is on the other side, it is 不透明.

この液体は不透明で、中が全く見えない。(This liquid is opaque, and you can't see the inside at all.)

Beyond the physical, the word takes on a heavy social weight. In the Japanese corporate world, 'futoumei' is often used as a criticism. If a company's hiring process is described as 不透明, it suggests that the decisions are being made behind closed doors based on unknown criteria, possibly involving favoritism or 'cronyism' (nepotism). In politics, if the flow of money is 不透明, it implies corruption. The word carries a nuance of 'murkiness' that suggests something might be hidden intentionally. It is not just that things are 'unclear' (which might be accidental); it often implies a systemic lack of openness. This makes it a key term for discussing 'Governance' (ガバナンス) and 'Accountability' (説明責任 - setsumei sekinin).

Economic Uncertainty: Used to describe the 'unpredictability' of the market. When the future of the economy is hard to read, it is called 'saki-yuki futoumei' (uncertain future outlook).

世界経済の先行きは依然として不透明だ。(The future outlook of the world economy remains uncertain.)

Finally, in interpersonal relationships, calling someone's intentions 不透明 suggests you don't trust them. You feel they are not being 'transparent' with you. While Japanese culture often values 'reading between the lines' (kuuki wo yomu), being 不透明 in a professional or serious context is generally viewed negatively. It represents a barrier to trust and progress. As a learner, using this word correctly will allow you to participate in higher-level discussions about society and business, moving beyond simple descriptions of 'good' or 'bad' into the realm of systemic analysis.

Lack of Transparency: Refers to a lack of disclosure in processes. A common complaint against government bureaucracy or secretive organizations.

選考プロセスが不透明であるとの批判が高まっている。(Criticism is growing that the selection process is non-transparent.)

政治資金の使途が不透明だ。(The use of political funds is opaque/unclear.)

Grammatically, 不透明 (futoumei) functions as a na-adjective (形容動詞). This means it can modify nouns using 'na' or end a sentence using 'da' or 'desu.' However, because it is a formal, Sino-Japanese (Kango) word, it is rarely used in casual, everyday speech about trivial things. You wouldn't usually say your coffee is 'futoumei' unless you were speaking in a very technical or humorous way; you'd just say it's 'nigoteiru' (cloudy/muddy). Use 'futoumei' when you want to sound professional, analytical, or serious.

Attributive Use (Modifying Nouns): Place 'na' after 不透明 to describe a noun. Example: 不透明な決断 (An opaque decision).

彼は不透明なやり方で利益を得た。(He gained profit through opaque/shady methods.)

One of the most common grammatical patterns for this word is the 'A wa B ga futoumei da' structure. This is used to specify what about 'A' is opaque. For example, 'Kono kaisha wa keiei ga futoumei da' (As for this company, the management is opaque). This structure allows you to pinpoint the lack of transparency in a complex system. It is very common in news reports discussing government budgets or corporate scandals.

Predictive Use (Ending Sentences): End the sentence with 'da', 'desu', or 'dearu' (formal). Example: 将来は不透明だ (The future is uncertain).

新プロジェクトの予算配分は依然として不透明です。(The budget allocation for the new project is still opaque.)

When discussing the future, 'futoumei' is often followed by adverbs like 'izon to shite' (still/as before) or 'masumasu' (increasingly). These adverbs emphasize the ongoing or worsening nature of the uncertainty. For example, 'Jousei wa masumasu futoumei ni natta' (The situation became increasingly opaque/uncertain). Note that when used with the verb 'naru' (to become), 'futoumei' takes the particle 'ni'.

Adverbial Use: Using 'ni' to describe an action. Example: 不透明に処理された (It was handled opaquely).

公金が不透明に使われている疑いがある。(There is suspicion that public funds are being used opaquely.)

景気回復の時期は不透明なままだ。(The timing of economic recovery remains uncertain.)

If you want to hear 不透明 (futoumei) in the wild, turn on the NHK evening news or open a business journal like the Nikkei Shimbun. This word is the bread and butter of political commentators and financial analysts. In Japan, there is a high social value placed on 'seimei' (clarity) and 'koukaisei' (openness), so when a system fails to meet these standards, 'futoumei' is the standard term of disapproval. You will hear it in debates about the 'furusato nozei' (hometown tax) system, the Olympic budget, or the internal voting processes of political parties.

News & Politics: Used to criticize 'black box' decision-making. Politicians often promise to 'eliminate futoumei-sa' (opacity).

野党は政府の対応を「不透明だ」と厳しく追及した。(The opposition party severely criticized the government's response as 'opaque'.)

In the financial sector, 'futoumei' is used to explain why stock prices are falling or why investors are hesitant. If there is a war in another country, or a sudden change in interest rates, the 'saki-yuki' (future path) becomes 'futoumei.' Investors hate 'futoumei-sei' (opacity/uncertainty) more than they hate bad news. Bad news can be calculated; uncertainty cannot. Therefore, you'll see headlines like 'Futoumei-kan ga tadoyou' (A sense of opacity/uncertainty is drifting/prevailing) in the market.

Business Strategy: Used when discussing risks. A CEO might say, 'Due to the futoumei nature of the market, we must be cautious.'

市場の不透明感から、投資家は慎重になっている。(Due to a sense of uncertainty in the market, investors are becoming cautious.)

In a more academic or scientific setting, you will hear it during lectures on materials science or physics. Here, it returns to its literal meaning. A researcher might discuss 'futoumei na firumu' (opaque film) used in solar panels or electronic displays. In these cases, the word is purely descriptive and lacks the negative social connotation found in politics. However, even in science, if a 'process' is 'futoumei,' it means it isn't reproducible or clearly documented, which is a major criticism.

Social Media & Scandals: When an influencer or celebrity is involved in a scandal, fans often complain about 'futoumei na taiou' (an opaque/vague response).

その説明には不透明な部分が多い。(There are many opaque/unclear parts in that explanation.)

今後の計画はまだ不透明です。(Future plans are still unclear.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 不透明 (futoumei) as a direct synonym for 'vague' or 'unclear' in every situation. While 'unclear' is a correct translation, 'futoumei' carries a specific nuance of hiddenness or lack of transparency. If you just didn't hear someone clearly, you wouldn't say their voice was 'futoumei'; you would say it was 'fumeiryou' (lacking clarity) or 'kikitorizurai' (hard to hear). 'Futoumei' is about the nature of the thing, not just the quality of the signal.

Confusion with 曖昧 (Aimai): 'Aimai' means 'ambiguous' or 'fuzzy.' Use 'aimai' for words or feelings. Use 'futoumei' for processes, systems, or physical opacity.

❌ 彼の返事は不透明だった。(His reply was opaque - sounds like a technical report.)
✅ 彼の返事は曖昧だった。(His reply was ambiguous/vague.)

Another common error is using 'futoumei' to describe a person's personality as 'mysterious' in a cool way. In English, we might say someone is 'opaque' to mean they are hard to read. In Japanese, calling a person 'futoumei' sounds like you are accusing them of being a shady criminal or a ghost. If you want to say someone is mysterious and interesting, use 'shinpiteki' (mysterious) or 'nazo-meita' (riddle-like). 'Futoumei' is almost always a negative or neutral-technical evaluation, never a romantic or positive one.

Confusion with 暗い (Kurai): 'Kurai' means 'dark.' While an opaque object might be dark, 'futoumei' refers to the light-blocking property, not the color. Don't use 'futoumei' to describe a room with no lights.

❌ この部屋は窓がなくて不透明だ。(This room has no windows and is opaque - nonsensical.)
✅ この部屋は窓がなくて暗い。(This room has no windows and is dark.)

Finally, learners often forget that 'futoumei' is a na-adjective. Because it ends in 'i' (the character 明 is read 'mei'), beginners sometimes try to conjugate it like an i-adjective. You cannot say 'futoumeikunai' or 'futoumeikatta.' You must use the 'da/desu' forms: 'futoumei dewa nai' or 'futoumei deshita.' Mistaking the adjective type is a hallmark of the B1-B2 transition level, so pay close attention to the 'na'!

Misuse in Weather: As mentioned, don't use it for fog or clouds in daily conversation. Use 'kiri' (fog) or 'fumeiryou' (unclear visibility).

❌ 霧で前方が不透明だ。(The front is opaque due to fog.)
✅ 霧で視界が悪い。(Visibility is poor due to fog.)

❌ 不透明いガラス。(Opaque-i glass - wrong conjugation.)
✅ 不透明なガラス。(Opaque glass - correct.)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 不透明 (futoumei), and choosing the right one will make you sound more like a native speaker. The most direct alternative for 'uncertainty' is 不確定 (fukakutei). While 'futoumei' suggests you can't see the path because it's murky, 'fukakutei' suggests the path hasn't been decided yet. Use 'fukakutei' for dates, schedules, or results that are still 'TBD' (to be determined).

不透明 vs. 不確定 (Fukakutei): Futoumei = Murky/Unclear (often negative nuance). Fukakutei = Not yet fixed/decided (neutral nuance).

旅行の日程はまだ不確定です。(The trip schedule is still undecided.)

For physical 'unclarity,' such as a blurry photo or a muffled sound, the word 不明瞭 (fumeiryou) is the best choice. This word literally means 'not bright and clear.' It is used for signals, speech, and images. If you can't read someone's handwriting, it is 'fumeiryou,' not 'futoumei.' 'Futoumei' would imply the ink itself is a special light-blocking type, whereas 'fumeiryou' just means the shapes are hard to distinguish.

不透明 vs. 不明瞭 (Fumeiryou): Futoumei = Opaque/Lacking transparency. Fumeiryou = Blurry/Indistinct/Muffled.

録音の状態が悪く、声が不明瞭だ。(The recording condition is poor, and the voice is indistinct.)

In the context of 'shady' or 'suspicious' behavior, you might hear うさんくさい (usankusai) or 怪しい (ayashii). These are much more casual and carry a stronger emotional weight. 'Futoumei' is a formal criticism of a system; 'usankusai' is a gut feeling that someone is a scammer. If a business deal feels 'futoumei,' you are analyzing its lack of disclosure. If it feels 'usankusai,' you are saying it smells fishy.

不透明 vs. 曖昧 (Aimai): Futoumei = Can't see through (The truth is hidden). Aimai = Fuzzy/Vague (The meaning is not sharp).

契約の条件が曖昧だとトラブルになる。(If the contract terms are vague, it will lead to trouble.)

資金の出所が不透明な団体。(An organization with opaque/mysterious funding sources.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'toumei' (transparent) is often used positively (like 'clear water'), 'futoumei' is almost always negative when applied to people or systems, reflecting a cultural preference for clarity and honesty.

Pronunciation Guide

UK fɯ.toː.meː

US fu.to.meɪ

Japanese pitch accent is usually Heiban (flat), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high after the first syllable: fu-TOUMEI.

Rhymes With

Toumei (Transparent) Koumei (Fair) Shoumei (Proof) Doumei (Alliance) Koumei (Fame) Seimei (Life) Heimei (Plain) Enmei (Prolonging life)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fu' with the teeth (like English 'f').
Shortening the 'tou' or 'mei' vowels.
Stress-accenting one syllable too heavily (it should be melodic).
Confusing 'mei' with 'mai'.
Dropping the final 'i' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'Tou' (透) can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

透明 (toumei) 明るい (akarui) 不明 (fumei) 不便 (fuben) 通る (tooru)

Learn Next

曖昧 (aimai) 不明瞭 (fumeiryou) 不確定 (fukakutei) 説明責任 (setsumei sekinin) 透明性 (toumeisei)

Advanced

隠蔽 (inpei) 隠匿 (intoku) 杜撰 (zuzan) 癒着 (yuchaku) 不祥事 (fushouji)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modifying Nouns

不透明な状況 (An opaque situation)

Negative Prefix 'Fu-' (不)

不便 (Inconvenient), 不足 (Insufficient)

Adverbial form with 'ni'

不透明に処理された (It was handled opaquely)

Noun form with '-sa' or '-sei'

不透明さが問題だ (The opacity is the problem)

Connecting with 'de'

不透明で、よく見えない (It's opaque and I can't see well)

Examples by Level

このコップは不透明です。

This cup is opaque.

Simple 'desu' ending.

不透明な水があります。

There is opaque (muddy) water.

Using 'na' to modify a noun.

その窓は不透明です。

That window is opaque (frosted).

Basic adjective use.

不透明な箱の中に何がありますか？

What is inside the opaque box?

Adjective + noun + particle.

この紙は不透明じゃないです。

This paper is not opaque.

Negative form 'janai'.

不透明なプラスチックを使います。

I use opaque plastic.

Direct object with 'wo'.

海の水が不透明になりました。

The sea water became opaque.

Using 'ni naru' (to become).

不透明なドアを開けます。

I open the opaque door.

Action verb with adjective.

ルールが不透明でわかりにくいです。

The rules are opaque and hard to understand.

Using 'de' to connect adjectives.

不透明なガラスを選びました。

I chose opaque glass.

Past tense verb.

明日の天気はまだ不透明です。

Tomorrow's weather is still uncertain.

Metaphorical use for 'uncertain'.

不透明な理由で休みました。

I took a day off for an unclear reason.

Describing a reason.

将来の計画は不透明なままです。

Future plans remain uncertain.

Using 'mama' (as it is).

不透明な袋にプレゼントを入れます。

I put the present in an opaque bag.

Location particle 'ni'.

彼の話はいつも不透明だ。

His stories are always opaque (vague).

Informal 'da' ending.

不透明な部分を教えてください。

Please tell me the parts that are unclear.

Using 'portion' (bu-bun).

経済の先行きが不透明になっています。

The economic outlook is becoming uncertain.

Standard business phrase.

不透明な決断に不満が集まっている。

Dissatisfaction is gathering over the opaque decision.

Noun + 'ni' + verb.

この会社の経営は不透明なところがある。

There are some opaque aspects to this company's management.

Using 'tokoro' for aspects.

不透明な資金の流れを調査するべきだ。

We should investigate the opaque flow of funds.

Using 'beki' (should).

政治の世界は不透明なことが多い。

There are many opaque things in the world of politics.

Nominalizing with 'koto'.

不透明なやり方では信頼が得られない。

You can't gain trust with opaque methods.

Conditional 'wa' for emphasis.

選考基準が不透明だという批判がある。

There is criticism that the selection criteria are opaque.

Quoting with 'to iu'.

不透明な状況を打開しなければならない。

We must break through this opaque situation.

Must-do form 'nakereba naranai'.

市場の不透明感から、投資家は様子を見ている。

Due to a sense of uncertainty in the market, investors are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Using 'futoumei-kan' (sense of opacity).

不透明な取引が発覚し、社長が謝罪した。

Opaque transactions were discovered, and the president apologized.

Passive verb 'hakkaku shi'.

情報の不透明さが、国民の不安を煽っている。

The lack of transparency in information is fueling public anxiety.

Noun form 'futoumei-sa'.

不透明な人事評価制度を改善する必要がある。

It is necessary to improve the opaque personnel evaluation system.

Compound noun phrase.

将来が不透明な中で、若者はどう生きるべきか。

In an uncertain future, how should young people live?

Using 'naka de' (amidst).

不透明な政治資金の処理が問題視されている。

The handling of opaque political funds is being viewed as a problem.

Compound verb 'mondai-shi sareru'.

この契約書には不透明な条項が含まれている。

This contract contains opaque clauses.

Passive 'fukumarete iru'.

不透明なプロセスを透明化することが急務だ。

Making the opaque process transparent is an urgent task.

Contrast between 'futoumei' and 'toumei-ka'.

地政学的リスクの高まりにより、情勢は極めて不透明だ。

Due to rising geopolitical risks, the situation is extremely opaque.

Formal adverb 'kiwamete' (extremely).

不透明な意志決定プロセスが組織の腐敗を招いた。

The opaque decision-making process led to the decay of the organization.

Causal verb 'manaita'.

不透明なまま議論を進めるのは危険である。

It is dangerous to proceed with the discussion while things remain opaque.

Formal 'dearu' ending.

その法案の背景には不透明な利害関係が絡んでいる。

Opaque vested interests are entangled behind that bill.

Verb 'karande iru' (to be entangled).

不透明な運用実態が明るみに出た。

The actual state of opaque operations came to light.

Idiom 'akarumi ni deru' (to come to light).

現代社会の不透明感は、ポスト真実の時代を象徴している。

The sense of opacity in modern society symbolizes the post-truth era.

Complex abstract subject.

不透明な会計処理によって、巨額の損失が隠蔽された。

A massive loss was concealed through opaque accounting practices.

Passive 'inpei sareta' (was concealed).

不透明さを払拭するためには、徹底した情報公開が必要だ。

In order to dispel the opacity, thorough information disclosure is necessary.

Verb 'fusshoku suru' (to dispel/wipe out).

アルゴリズムの不透明性は、民主主義に対する新たな脅威となり得る。

The opacity of algorithms can become a new threat to democracy.

Potential 'ari-uru' (can be).

不透明な権力構造が、個人の自由を密かに侵食している。

An opaque power structure is secretly eroding individual freedoms.

Adverb 'hisoka ni' (secretly).

歴史の不透明な淵に沈んだ真実を掘り起こす作業。

The task of unearthing truths that have sunk into the opaque depths of history.

Metaphorical noun 'fuchi' (depths/abyss).

不透明な市場原理に翻弄される弱者の姿が描かれている。

The figures of the weak being toyed with by opaque market principles are depicted.

Passive 'honrou sareru' (to be toyed with).

不透明な言説が飛び交う中で、真実を見極めるのは容易ではない。

It is not easy to discern the truth amidst the flying opaque discourses.

Verb 'mi-kiwameru' (to discern).

この不透明な状況を、彼は「現代の迷宮」と呼んだ。

He called this opaque situation a 'modern-day labyrinth.'

Quotation with 'to yonda'.

不透明な制度設計が、長年にわたり不平等を固定化してきた。

Opaque institutional design has fixed inequality for many years.

Completion 'shite kita' (has done).

不透明な未来を恐れるのではなく、それを可能性として受容する。

Instead of fearing the opaque future, one should accept it as a possibility.

Contrast 'de wa naku...'

Synonyms

不確実な不明瞭な曖昧なおぼつかない

Antonyms

透明明白

Common Collocations

先行き不透明

不透明な資金

不透明感が高まる

不透明なプロセス

不透明な決断

依然として不透明

不透明な部分

不透明な取引

不透明な実態

不透明さを増す

Common Phrases

不透明な世の中

— An uncertain world. Used to describe times of crisis or rapid change.

この不透明な世の中を生き抜く。

不透明なやり口

— Opaque/shady methods. Usually used to criticize someone's tactics.

そんな不透明なやり口は許されない。

不透明な関係

— An opaque relationship. Suggests hidden connections or conflicts of interest.

業者との不透明な関係が疑われている。

不透明な幕引き

— An opaque ending/closure. Used when a scandal is ended without full disclosure.

事件は不透明な幕引きとなった。

不透明な人事

— Opaque personnel changes. Used when promotions or firings are unexplained.

不透明な人事に社員が反発した。

不透明な動機

— An unclear/opaque motive. Used in crime reports or psychological analysis.

犯人の動機は依然として不透明だ。

不透明な境界線

— An opaque/blurry boundary. Used for ethics or responsibilities.

公私の不透明な境界線が問題だ。

不透明な経営陣

— Opaque management team. Used for executives who hide information.

不透明な経営陣を刷新する。

不透明な運用

— Opaque management/operation of funds or systems.

年金の不透明な運用が批判された。

不透明な未来

— An uncertain future. A very common literary and conversational phrase.

不透明な未来に光を灯す。

Often Confused With

不透明 vs 曖昧 (Aimai)

Aimai is about 'fuzzy meaning,' while futoumei is about 'blocked visibility/truth'.

不透明 vs 不明 (Fumei)

Fumei means 'unknown,' while futoumei means 'unclear/non-transparent'.

不透明 vs 暗い (Kurai)

Kurai means 'dark,' while futoumei means 'opaque'.

Idioms & Expressions

"霧に包まれる"

— To be shrouded in mist. Often used as a more poetic way to say something is 'futoumei'.

真相は霧に包まれている。

Literary

"闇に葬る"

— To bury in the dark. Used when something 'futoumei' is intentionally hidden forever.

不都合な事実は闇に葬られた。

Formal

"雲を掴むような"

— Like grabbing a cloud. Used for things that are so 'futoumei' they are impossible to grasp.

彼の話は雲を掴むようで不透明だ。

Idiomatic

"ブラックボックス化"

— To turn into a black box. A modern idiom for a process becoming 'futoumei'.

政治のプロセスがブラックボックス化している。

Modern/Business

"五里霧中"

— Being in a fog for five miles. Used for being totally lost in an uncertain situation.

解決策が見えず、五里霧中の状態だ。

Four-character idiom (Yojijukugo)

"一寸先は闇"

— One inch ahead is darkness. Expresses that the future is completely unpredictable/opaque.

人生、一寸先は闇だ。

Proverb

"藪の中"

— In the thicket. Used when the truth of an event is 'futoumei' and cannot be found.

事件の真相は藪の中だ。

Literary/Idiomatic

"ベールに包まれる"

— To be veiled. Used for things that are intentionally kept 'futoumei'.

新製品はベールに包まれている。

Neutral

"水面下で"

— Under the water's surface. Used for 'futoumei' negotiations happening out of sight.

交渉は水面下で進められた。

Business/Politics

"お蔵入り"

— Sent to the storehouse. Used when something is cancelled and its details remain 'futoumei'.

その企画はお蔵入りになった。

Informal

Easily Confused

不透明 vs 不確定

Both mean 'uncertain'.

Fukakutei is for things not yet decided (neutral). Futoumei is for things hidden or murky (often negative).

日程は不確定だが、予算は不透明だ。

不透明 vs 不明瞭

Both mean 'unclear'.

Fumeiryou is for physical signals (blurry images, muffled sounds). Futoumei is for light-blocking or systems.

不透明なガラスのせいで、外が不明瞭に見える。

不透明 vs 不可解

Both imply a lack of understanding.

Fukakai means 'incomprehensible' or 'mysterious' (logic doesn't work). Futoumei means 'opaque' (information is missing).

彼の不透明な行動は不可解だ。

不透明 vs 疑わしい

Both can imply suspicion.

Utagawashii is an adjective for 'doubtful'. Futoumei is a property of a system or object.

彼の話は疑わしく、内容も不透明だ。

不透明 vs 漠然

Both mean 'vague'.

Bakuzen is for broad, loosely defined feelings or ideas. Futoumei is for specific lack of transparency.

将来に漠然とした不安があるが、計画は不透明だ。

Sentence Patterns

A は B が不透明だ

この計画は予算が不透明だ。

不透明な～が問題視されている

不透明な選考プロセスが問題視されている。

～の先行きは不透明なままだ

景気の先行きは不透明なままだ。

不透明感を払拭する

政府は市場の不透明感を払拭しようとしている。

～により、状況は極めて不透明だ

戦争により、状況は極めて不透明だ。

不透明な～に翻弄される

不透明な運命に翻弄される。

～の不透明性が～を阻害している

制度の不透明性が発展を阻害している。

不透明な～を透明化する

不透明な取引を透明化する。

Word Family

Nouns

不透明さ (Opacity/Uncertainty)

不透明性 (Transparency/Lack thereof)

不透明感 (Sense of uncertainty)

Verbs

不透明にする (To make opaque)

不透明になる (To become opaque)

Adjectives

不透明な (Opaque - na-adj)

透明 (Transparent)

半透明 (Translucent)

不明 (Unknown)

暗黒 (Darkness)

混沌 (Chaos)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news and business; rare in daily casual talk about trivial things.

Common Mistakes

不透明い (Futoumei-i) → 不透明な (Futoumei-na)
Learners often treat it as an i-adjective because it ends with the 'i' sound. It is a na-adjective.
Using it for blurry eyes. → 目がかすむ (Me ga kasumu)
If your vision is blurry, you don't say your eyes are 'futoumei'. 'Futoumei' is for the object, not the observer's vision.
Using it for a quiet person. → 物静かな人 (Monoshizuka na hito)
'Futoumei' doesn't mean 'quiet' or 'reserved'. It implies 'shady' or 'lacking transparency'.
Using it for a dark room. → 暗い部屋 (Kurai heya)
'Futoumei' is about light passing through a material, not the absence of light in a space.
Confusing it with 'fumei' (unknown). → 原因は不明だ (The cause is unknown).
If the cause is completely unknown, use 'fumei'. If the cause is hidden or unclear, use 'futoumei'.

Tips

Don't forget the 'Na'

Since 'futoumei' ends in 'mei' (明), some students mistake it for an i-adjective. Always use 'na' when modifying a noun like 'futoumei na riyuu'.

Business Essential

If you want to sound professional in a Japanese office, use 'futoumei' to describe risks. It sounds much more analytical than 'yoku wakarimasen'.

News Keyword

This is a 'Top 10' keyword for NHK News. If you learn this, you'll suddenly understand half of every political report.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember the three parts: 不 (No) + 透 (Through) + 明 (Light). No light through = Opaque.

Critique with Care

Calling a process 'futoumei' is a serious critique in Japan. Use it when you want to emphasize a lack of fairness or accountability.

The Antonym Pair

Learn 'toumei' (transparent) and 'futoumei' (opaque) together. They are perfect opposites used in many of the same contexts.

Set Phrases

Memorize 'saki-yuki futoumei.' It’s a 'free square' in Japanese business conversation that makes you sound very fluent.

Opaque vs. Vague

If you are confused by a person's words, use 'aimai.' If you are suspicious of their secret bank account, use 'futoumei'.

Advanced Modifiers

Try using 'kiwamete' (extremely) or 'izon to shite' (still) with 'futoumei' to add weight to your sentences.

Transparency Culture

In Japan, 'toumeisei' (transparency) is a major social goal. 'Futoumei' is the obstacle to that goal. Understanding this helps you see why the word is so common.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Fu' as a big 'X' (not), 'Tou' as a 'Toe' poking through a 'Window' (transparency), and 'Mei' as 'May' (the month of bright flowers). So, 'No Toe through the Bright May window' = Opaque/Unclear.

Visual Association

Imagine a thick, grey fog wall blocking a road. You can't see what's ahead. This is 'Saki-yuki Futoumei'.

Word Web

Politics Glass Economics Secrets Uncertainty Murky water Accountability Future

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'toumei' and three that are 'futoumei'. Then, think of one news story that is 'futoumei'.

Word Origin

Composed of three Kanji: 不 (not), 透 (to pass through/transparent), and 明 (bright/clear). It is a Kango (Sino-Japanese) word that has been used for centuries to describe physical properties, and later adapted for modern socio-political concepts.

Original meaning: Physically opaque; a substance that does not allow light to pass through.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

While generally a standard word, calling a specific person 'futoumei' is a very strong accusation of dishonesty.

English speakers might use 'shady' or 'murky,' but 'futoumei' is the standard professional term in Japanese.

Used frequently in the 'Nikkei Shimbun' editorials. Appears in political speeches during election seasons. Common in detective novels by authors like Keigo Higashino.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Market News

先行き不透明感
市場の混乱
投資を控える
不透明な推移

Politics

政治資金
裏金問題
不透明な決断
説明を求める

Science/Optics

不透明な物質
光を遮断する
屈折率
不透明度を調整する

Company Governance

不透明な人事
ブラックボックス化
透明性を高める
内部告発

Everyday Uncertainty

将来が不安だ
不透明な予定
はっきりしない
霧の中

Conversation Starters

"最近の経済、先行きが不透明で不安になりませんか？ (Doesn't the uncertain future of the economy make you anxious recently?)"

"あの会社の経営、ちょっと不透明な部分が多いと思いませんか？ (Don't you think there are many opaque parts to that company's management?)"

"不透明なガラスと透明なガラス、どちらがデザイン的に好きですか？ (Which do you prefer for design, opaque glass or transparent glass?)"

"政治資金の不透明なニュースについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the news regarding opaque political funds?)"

"将来が不透明な時、あなたはどうやって決断を下しますか？ (When the future is uncertain, how do you make decisions?)"

Journal Prompts

今の自分の人生で、一番「不透明」だと感じることは何ですか？ (What do you feel is the most 'opaque' thing in your life right now?)

不透明な社会で生き抜くために、何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to survive in an opaque society?)

あなたが過去に経験した「不透明なプロセス」について書いてください。 (Write about an 'opaque process' you have experienced in the past.)

政府や企業が「透明性」を高めるにはどうすればいいでしょうか？ (What should governments and companies do to increase transparency?)

不透明な未来をポジティブに捉えることは可能ですか？ (Is it possible to view an uncertain future positively?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically you could, but it sounds very scientific. Native speakers usually say 'kiri ga fukai' (fog is thick) or 'shikai ga warui' (visibility is bad). Use 'futoumei' for frosted glass or liquids instead.

Not always. In physics and design, it's a neutral description of a material. However, in social contexts, it almost always implies a negative lack of disclosure or suspicious uncertainty.

'Futoumei-sa' is the objective state of being opaque (opacity). 'Futoumei-kan' is the subjective 'feeling' or 'sense' of uncertainty that people experience. You'll hear 'market futoumei-kan' a lot.

It's rare and sounds like you're calling them a 'non-transparent person,' implying they are shady or hiding something. It's better to say 'nazo ga ooi' (full of mystery) or 'himitsu-shugi' (secretive).

The opposite is 'toumeisei' (透明性). This is used for 'transparency' in government and business, just like in English.

Yes, but mostly in formal settings. You will see it every day in the newspaper, but you might not hear it at a casual dinner party unless discussing the news.

No, use 'pin-boke' (out of focus) or 'fumeiryou' (indistinct). 'Futoumei' would mean the photo is printed on a piece of wood you can't see through.

It's a set phrase meaning 'the future outlook is uncertain.' It's used constantly in economic reports to describe why markets are volatile.

It's a na-adjective. Futoumei na (modifying), futoumei da (is), futoumei de (and), futoumei ni (adverb).

Not necessarily lying, but it implies they are not showing the whole truth. It's about 'lack of disclosure' rather than 'active deception,' though the two often go together.