Japanese

ことばをにごす
Meaning: to speak ambiguously; to prevaricate; to be vague
Part of Speech: Idiom, Verb

Listen to pronunciation

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 言葉を濁す 言葉を濁さない
Polite 言葉を濁します 言葉を濁しません
Past 言葉を濁した 言葉を濁さなかった
Polite + Past 言葉を濁しました 言葉を濁しませんでした
Te-form 言葉を濁して 言葉を濁さなくて
Potential 言葉を濁せる 言葉を濁せない
Passive 言葉を濁される 言葉を濁されない
Causative 言葉を濁させる 言葉を濁させない
Imperative 言葉を濁せ 言葉を濁すな

Handwriting

言
葉
を
濁
す

Example

When asked about his past, he spoke ambiguously.

Usage Notes

Used when someone avoids giving a clear answer or hides their true feelings by being vague. Similar to '口を濁す'.

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