Translation and Meaning of: 不思議 - fushigi

The Japanese word 「不思議」 (ふしぎ, fushigi) is often translated as "mysterious" or "inexplicable," capturing a sense of wonder or strangeness about something that cannot be easily understood. Its etymological roots provide a unique insight into its meaning. The term is composed of two kanji: 「不」 (fu), which means "not" or "without," and 「思議」 (shigi), which translates as "to think" or "to consider." Together, they form an idea of something that is beyond understanding or cannot be pondered in a usual manner.

The origin of 「不思議」 dates back to ancient times, reflecting the traditional Japanese conception that the inexplicable is part of daily life. The mysterious nature of this term can be observed in many aspects of Japanese culture, where phenomena and events that challenge common logic are often embraced as part of the rich tapestry of human existence. In literature and art, for example, it is common to find descriptions of scenarios or events that evoke a sense of 「不思議」。

Usage and Meaning of 「不思議」

• Sensations of admiration: When faced with something incredibly beautiful or surprising, the word 「不思議」 can be used to express that feeling of wonder.
• Unexplained events: When things happen that defy logic or understanding, one turns to 「不思議」 to describe them.
• Fictional worlds: Fiction works often create worlds described as 「不思議」, capturing the reader's imagination.

In addition to its use in literature and art, 「不思議」 is a common expression in everyday Japanese. People may use it when they encounter a situation that does not make sense at first glance, highlighting the beauty or peculiarity of that experience. In the context of Japan's cultural and spiritual traditions, accepting the unknown and the mysterious as part of life is a common practice, placing the concept of 「不思議」 in an almost philosophical role.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 神秘 (shinpi) - Mysterious, something that cannot be understood.
• 奇妙 (kimyou) - Strange and curious, something unusual.
• 不可思議 (fukashigi) - Incomprehensible; something that defies logic.
• 謎 (nazo) - Enigma or mystery awaiting resolution.
• 異様 (iyou) - Strange and unsettling, out of the ordinary.
• 奇異 (kii) - Uncommon, which causes strangeness; rare.
• 怪異 (kaii) - Phenomenon or suspicious occurrence, usually supernatural.
• 妙 (myou) - Surprising, something that is admirable for its strangeness.
• 妙な (myou na) - Surprising, but with a greater emphasis on strangeness.
• 奇怪 (kikai) - Strange and frightening; something disturbing due to its unusual nature.
• 奇妙な (kimyou na) - Strange and curious, with a sense of admiration, but also of perplexity.
• 不思議な (fushigi na) - Incomprehensible, involving what is extraordinary or inexplicable.
• 不思議なこと (fushigi na koto) - Incomprehensible or strange thing; inexplicable situation.
• 不思議な現象 (fushigi na genshou) - Unexplained phenomenon; event that defies understanding.

不思議

Romaji: fushigi
Kana: ふしぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: admiration; miracle; strange; mystery; wonder; curiosity

Meaning in English: wonder;miracle;strange;mystery;marvel;curiosity

Definition: To have the feeling of being difficult to understand, unthinkable or mysterious.

Example Sentences - (不思議) fushigi

See below some example sentences:

不思議なことが起こるかもしれない。

Fushigi na koto ga okoru kamoshirenai

Strange things can happen.

A strange thing can happen.

• 不思議な - mysterious, strange
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• 起こる - Happen
• かもしれない - Maybe, it could be that

この現象は不思議だね。

Kono genshō wa fushigi da ne

This phenomenon is strange

This phenomenon is strange.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 現象 - noun meaning "phenomenon" or "occurrence"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this phenomenon"
• 不思議 - adjective meaning "mysterious" or "strange"
• だ - auxiliary verb indicating the affirmative form of the sentence
• ね - final particle indicating an expectation of confirmation or agreement from the interlocutor

世の中は不思議なものだ。

Yo no naka wa fushigi na mono da

The world is a mysterious thing.

The world is strange.

• 世の中 - "world" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 不思議 - "misterioso" or "maravilhoso" in Japanese
• な - Japanese adjective particle
• もの - "thing" in Japanese
• だ - verb "to be" in Japanese