To be '含糊' is to lack clarity or to be deliberately evasive in communication.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe vague, unclear speech or attitudes.
- Often implies intentional evasion or lack of precision.
- Commonly used to praise decisiveness when negated.
Overview
- 1概述：含糊（hánhú）是一个非常典型的汉语词汇，主要用于描述信息传递过程中的不透明或不确定性。它既可以指物理上的声音听不清楚，更常见于指代人的态度、言语或逻辑的不明确。2) 用法模式：该词常作谓语，如“他说得含糊”；也可作定语，如“含糊的回答”；还常与否定词连用，如“毫不含糊”，表示立场坚定、态度明确。3) 常见语境：它常出现在商务谈判、政治外交、法律解释或人际沟通中。当某人不想正面回答问题或试图掩盖事实时，往往会使用“含糊”的语言。4) 近义词辨析：与“模糊”相比，“含糊”更侧重于主观意图上的不明确（如故意避重就轻），而“模糊”则更侧重于客观界限或视觉上的不清晰。与“暧昧”相比，“含糊”不一定带有情感色彩，而“暧昧”通常暗示男女关系或不可告人的意图。
Examples
他说话总是含含糊糊的，让人听不明白。
everydayHe always speaks vaguely, making it hard to understand.
合同条款必须明确，不能有任何含糊之处。
formalContract clauses must be clear; there cannot be any ambiguity.
别跟我含糊，到底去不去？
informalDon't be vague with me; are you going or not?
该研究对核心概念的定义过于含糊。
academicThe definition of core concepts in this study is too vague.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
含糊其辞
equivocate; speak evasively
毫不含糊
decisive; resolute
含含糊糊
mumbling; vague
Often Confused With
Refers to physical blurred vision or indistinct boundaries. '含糊' focuses on the communicative intent or semantic clarity.
Implies hidden meanings or romantic tension. '含糊' is purely about a lack of clarity without necessarily carrying romantic connotations.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '含糊' carries a slightly negative connotation when describing someone's response, as it implies evasion. In formal writing, it is often used to point out logical flaws or lack of precision. When negated as '毫不含糊', it transforms into a strong, positive expression of reliability and competence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '含糊' to describe blurry images or poor eyesight, which is incorrect; '模糊' is the correct choice there. Additionally, some learners use '含糊' as a verb, but it is strictly an adjective. Remember that '含糊' often implies a human subject's choice to be unclear.
Tips
Use with '毫不' for emphasis
Adding '毫不' before '含糊' creates a strong positive expression. It turns a negative word into a compliment for efficiency or firmness.
Avoid using it to describe vision
Do not use '含糊' to describe blurry eyesight. Use '模糊' instead to avoid confusion.
The cultural value of directness
In some Chinese contexts, being '含糊' is a social strategy to save face. However, in professional settings, it is increasingly viewed as a lack of professionalism.
Word Origin
The word combines '含' (to hold in the mouth) and '糊' (paste or porridge). It metaphorically describes speech as being as unclear as if one had food in their mouth.
Cultural Context
In traditional Chinese social etiquette, being too direct can sometimes be considered rude. Therefore, people might intentionally be '含糊' to avoid direct confrontation or to preserve harmony, though this is changing in modern professional environments.
Memory Tip
Think of '含' (to hold in mouth) and '糊' (paste). If you hold paste in your mouth, your words become sticky and unclear!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“模糊”多指视觉上看不清或界限不分明，而“含糊”多指言语或态度上让人听不明白或摸不透。简单来说，模糊是看不清，含糊是听不懂或猜不透。
这是一个常用的固定搭配，意为“一点也不含糊”，用来赞扬某人做事果断、立场坚定或技术精湛。它将“含糊”的否定形式转化为一种积极的评价。
可以，但在正式场合使用时通常带有批评意味，指责对方没有给出明确的答复。建议在商务场合使用“表述不清”或“不够具体”来替代，语气会更委婉。
在现代汉语中，“含糊”主要作为形容词使用。虽然在某些方言或口语中可能出现类似动词的用法，但在标准语中，它通常不直接充当谓语动词。
Test Yourself
面对记者的提问，他支支吾吾，回答得十分___。
形容回答不清楚且带有避重就轻的意味，用“含糊”最准确。
A. 他的态度很含糊。 B. 远处的山影很含糊。 C. 他对这个问题毫不含糊。 D. 你的说明太含糊了。
“山影”属于视觉范畴，应使用“模糊”而非“含糊”。
下列选项中哪句最符合“毫不含糊”的用法？
“毫不含糊”通常用来形容人的行为、态度或工作作风。
Score: /3
Summary
To be '含糊' is to lack clarity or to be deliberately evasive in communication.
- Used to describe vague, unclear speech or attitudes.
- Often implies intentional evasion or lack of precision.
- Commonly used to praise decisiveness when negated.
Use with '毫不' for emphasis
Adding '毫不' before '含糊' creates a strong positive expression. It turns a negative word into a compliment for efficiency or firmness.
Avoid using it to describe vision
Do not use '含糊' to describe blurry eyesight. Use '模糊' instead to avoid confusion.
The cultural value of directness
In some Chinese contexts, being '含糊' is a social strategy to save face. However, in professional settings, it is increasingly viewed as a lack of professionalism.
Examples
4 of 4他说话总是含含糊糊的，让人听不明白。
He always speaks vaguely, making it hard to understand.
合同条款必须明确，不能有任何含糊之处。
Contract clauses must be clear; there cannot be any ambiguity.
别跟我含糊，到底去不去？
Don't be vague with me; are you going or not?
该研究对核心概念的定义过于含糊。
The definition of core concepts in this study is too vague.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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