Meaning

Primary

Unknown

Alternatives

Unclear, Uncertain, Unsure

Word Type

noun, な adjective

Explanation

When it's not bright, you can't see what's around you. In the dark, everything feels unknown, unclear, and uncertain.

Reading

ふめい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. You didn't learn the on'yomi for (めい) with the kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you remember it:

Everything feels particularly unknown, unclear, and uncertain in May (めい) because May is when you suddenly realize you still don't know what you're doing this year — your plans are as foggy as morning mist. You sigh, "めい-be next month I'll have it together."

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 不明なまま

    remains unknown

    不明な点

    unknown point, unknown aspect

    不明なこと

    something unclear

Context Sentences

このホテルは、オーナーが不明です。

The owner of this hotel is unknown.

生まれた日は不明です。

The day of birth is unknown.

私の兄は今どこにいるか不明なんです。

It's uncertain where my brother is now.

Kanji Composition