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March 24, 2026
含糊hánhu(han2hu5)
含糊 refers to a state of being unclear or ambiguous, often used to describe statements or situations that lack precision. In conversation, it implies a certain carelessness or a lack of commitment to clarity, making it common in both casual and formal discussions when someone is being non-specific or evasive.
Frequency#12157DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, clarity in communication is often valued, particularly in formal settings like business or education. Using 含糊 can be seen as a sign of avoidance or lack of confidence, hence it’s important to be mindful of your expressions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a foggy landscape where everything is blurred and indistinct—just like the meaning of 含糊. The character 含 (han) suggests 'to contain' or 'to hold', and 糊 (hu) means 'paste' or 'muddiness', symbolizing how clarity is 'pasted over' by vagueness.
Meanings of 含糊
hánhu(han2hu5)
1obscurity
2vague
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About 含糊
含糊Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#12157Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 含糊
Podcast: 含糊
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AI Study Notes for 含糊
Quick Contrast
模糊 (móhú) - use 含糊 when emphasizing ambiguity in communication, while 模糊 refers more to lack of clarity in perception or visual detail.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a foggy landscape where everything is blurred and indistinct—just like the meaning of 含糊. The character 含 (han) suggests 'to contain' or 'to hold', and 糊 (hu) means 'paste' or 'muddiness', symbolizing how clarity is 'pasted over' by vagueness.
Usage Notes
含糊 is often used in both spoken and written contexts, but be cautious of its connotation; it can imply a negative judgment about someone's communication style. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where precision is required. Common collocations include 含糊不清 (ambiguous and unclear) and 含糊其辞 (to speak ambiguously).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 含糊 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to communication and clarity, such as 明确 (ming2 que4, clear) or 清晰 (qing1 xi1, distinct). Students should focus on understanding its nuances in context and recognizing scenarios where precision is essential.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, clarity in communication is often valued, particularly in formal settings like business or education. Using 含糊 can be seen as a sign of avoidance or lack of confidence, hence it’s important to be mindful of your expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 含糊 with 清晰 (qing1 xi1, clear). For example, saying '这句话很含糊' (This sentence is clear) is incorrect; it should be '这句话很清晰' (This sentence is clear).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 含糊
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Grammar Patterns of 含糊
含糊 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
A lot of the talk was apparently vague and general.
6
她的声音含糊不清，几乎让人听不明白。
tā de shēng yīn hán hū bù qīng， ， jī hū ràng rén tīng bù míng。
Her speech was so slurred as to be almost incomprehensible.
7
我将毫不含糊地告诉她这不关她的事.
wǒ jiāng háo bù hán hū dì gào sù tā zhè bù guān tā de shì.
I shall tell her firmly that it is not any business of hers.
8
他一再读错单词，而且说话含含糊糊的。
tā yī zài dú cuò dān cí， ， ér qiě shuō huà hán hán hū hū。
He repeatedly mispronounced words and slurred his speech.
9
马蒂太棒了─他毫不含糊地揍了那些光头仔.
mǎ dì tài bàng le─ ─ tā háo bù hán hū dì zòu le nà xiē guāng tóu.
Marty was terrific — he just waded into the skinheads without a thought.
10
他心里说, 嗨,老子不含糊哪!
tā xīn lǐ shuō, ,, hāi , lǎo zǐ bù hán!
Goddam, I'm okay, he said to himself.
Cultural Notes for 含糊
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, clarity in communication is often valued, particularly in formal settings like business or education. Using 含糊 can be seen as a sign of avoidance or lack of confidence, hence it’s important to be mindful of your expressions.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, being vague can sometimes be seen as diplomatic, while in Chinese contexts, it may be interpreted as evasive or unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions about 含糊
It indicates that someone is being vague or unclear, often avoiding a direct answer.
Yes, it can be used in both spoken and written contexts, but be cautious of its negative implications.
It can be used in both contexts, but it's generally more informal and can imply a lack of care in communication.
