含糊
hán hu HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他的回答很含糊。
Tā de huídá hěn hánhu.
His answer is very ambiguous.
不要含糊地表达意见。
Bùyào hánhu de biǎodá yìjiàn.
Don't express opinions vaguely.
合同条款不能含糊。
Hétóng tiáokuǎn bùnéng hánhu.
Contract terms cannot be vague.
他的回答很含糊。
Tā de huídá hěn hánhu.
His answer is ambiguous.
这个解释太含糊。
Zhège jiěshì tài hánhu.
This explanation is too vague.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 含糊 as combining 含 (to contain) and 糊 (paste/blur) – imagine words 'containing' a 'blurry' meaning, making them ambiguous. Associate it with someone mumbling or giving a half-hearted answer to remember its sense of vagueness.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It commonly appears in discussions about communication, such as ambiguous statements, unclear explanations, or evasive answers. It can also describe vague boundaries or distinctions in abstract concepts.

📖 Grammar Points

含糊 can be used as a predicate (e.g., 他的回答很含糊) or as an adverbial modifier with 地 (e.g., 他含糊地回答了问题). It can be reduplicated as 含含糊糊 to intensify the sense of vagueness. It often pairs with verbs like 说, 回答, or 表示.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, being too 含糊 might be seen as indirect or non-confrontational, which can be a cultural strategy to maintain harmony or avoid embarrassment. However, in formal or professional settings, excessive vagueness may be viewed negatively as lacking sincerity or clarity.

🔄 Similar Words

模糊 (móhu) also means vague or blurry, but it often refers to visual or conceptual fuzziness (e.g., a blurry image). 含糊 emphasizes ambiguity in expression or meaning, especially in language or behavior, and can imply evasiveness. 暧昧 (àimèi) implies ambiguity with a nuance of uncertainty in relationships or intentions, often more emotionally charged.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 含糊 in CILI →

Related Words