Translation and Meaning of: 云々 - unnun

The Japanese word 云々 (うんぬん) is a curious term that appears in both formal and informal contexts, but it is not always easy to understand for language learners. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, translation, and usage in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will examine how it is perceived culturally and some tips for memorizing it effectively. If you have encountered this expression in texts or conversations, keep reading to uncover its secrets.

The term 云々 (うんぬん) typically translates to "and so on" or "et cetera" in English. It is often used to refer to unspecified things or additional details that are not elaborated upon.

云々 is a word that functions as a marker of indeterminacy or generalization. In loose translation, it can mean "and so on," "this and that," or even "blah blah blah" in more informal contexts. It is often used to avoid repetitions or to summarize an idea without going into details.

A classic example of use is when someone wants to refer to a subject already mentioned previously, but without repeating it in full. For instance, in bureaucratic discussions or reports, 云々 can replace already known information, saving time and avoiding redundancy.

Origin and writing of the term

The kanji writing of 云々 is composed of two repeated characters: 云 (うん), which means "to say" or "to speak." This repetition reinforces the idea of something vague, undefined, or generic. The origin of the term goes back to classical Chinese, where similar structures were used to indicate incomplete enumerations.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji 云 is technically correct, the word often appears written only in hiragana (うんぬん) in modern Japanese. This happens because its everyday use prioritizes ease of reading, especially in less formal texts.

How and when to use 云々 in contemporary Japanese

云々 is more common in situations where there is a certain formality, such as documents, reports, or technical discussions. However, it can also appear in everyday conversations, especially when someone wants to avoid lengthening unnecessary explanations.

An interesting detail is that, although it is not considered a rare word, it is not as common as other generalization expressions like "など" (nado). Therefore, its usage may sound a bit more technical or bureaucratic, depending on the context.

Tips for memorizing and practicing

An effective way to reinforce 云々 is to associate it with situations where you would need to summarize a conversation or omit repetitive details. Think of phrases like "about what we discussed earlier, 云々…" that demonstrate its practical use.

Another tip is to observe its appearance in authentic materials, such as newspaper articles or meeting transcripts. Since it tends to arise in specific contexts, this natural exposure helps internalize its meaning and application.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 何々 (Nani nani) - coisas, tal coisa
• なんたら (Nantara) - algo assim, tal coisa
• なんとか (Nantoka) - something or other, something like
• なんぞ (Nanzo) - something like (used in a colloquial way)
• など (Nado) - etc., tais como
• とか (Toka) - or something like that, such as (in case of examples)
• とかく (Tokaku) - in various ways, anyway

云々

Romaji: unnun
Kana: うんぬん
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: and so on; and so on; comment

Meaning in English: and so on;and so forth;comment

Definition: Word that expresses the intention to describe or refer to something.

Example Sentences - (云々) unnun

See below some example sentences:

彼女は云々と話していた。

Kanojo wa unun to hanashiteita

She was talking about it and that.

She was talking.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 云々 (unun) - etc., and so on
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 話していた (hanashiteita) - I was speaking