Translation and Meaning of: 濁る - nigoru

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 濁る (にごる, nigoru). It appears in various contexts, from weather descriptions to metaphors about emotions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and everyday uses, as well as interesting facts that make this word so fascinating. Whether to enhance your vocabulary or simply gain a better understanding of Japanese culture, here you will find valuable information.

Meaning and translation of 濁る: to become muddy or turbid; to be clouded.

濁る (にごる) is a Japanese verb that means "to become unclear," "to become cloudy," or "to become impure." It can be used to describe liquids that have lost their transparency, such as muddy water, as well as abstract situations, such as confused feelings or unclear speeches. The most common translation in Portuguese would be "turvar-se" or "embaçar," but the meaning may vary depending on the context.

An interesting detail is that 濁る also appears in specific , such as 濁り酒 (にごりざけ, nigorizake), a type of unfiltered sake that retains solid particles in suspension. This usage reinforces the idea of something that is not completely clear, whether literally or figuratively.

Origin and writing of the kanji 濁

The kanji 濁 is composed of the radical 氵(さんずい), which indicates a relation to water, and the component 蜀 (しょく), which historically represented a region in China. Together, they convey the idea of impure or contaminated liquid. This combination is not random—it reflects how Chinese characters were adapted to express concepts in Japanese.

It is worth noting that 濁 is part of a group of kanjis called 濁音 (だくおん, dakuon), which represent "impure" or voiced sounds in the Japanese language (such as が, ざ, だ). This connection between linguistic and physical turbidity shows how Japanese writing uniquely combines form and meaning.

Cultural usage and frequency in everyday life

In Japan, 濁る is not a rare word, but it is also not among the most common. It appears in weather forecasts—such as in 空気が濁る (くうきがにごる, kuuki ga nigoru), indicating air pollution—or in discussions about moral clarity. In literature and music, it sometimes appears as a metaphor for relationships or thoughts that have lost their original purity.

A verifiable curiosity is its use in fixed expressions. For example, 目が濁る (めがにごる, me ga nigoru) describes eyes clouded by fatigue or emotion. Meanwhile, 心が濁る (こころがにごる, kokoro ga nigoru) suggests a heart troubled by negative feelings. These constructions show how Japanese associates physical turbidity with complex mental states.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 濁る

• 濁る dictionary form
• 濁っている te-form
• 濁らない negative form
• 濁ります Polite way
• 濁れる Potential Form

Synonyms and similar words

• 濁りがある (Nigori ga aru) - There is cloudiness
• 濁りが生じる (Nigori ga shōjiru) - Turbidity occurs
• 濁りが出る (Nigori ga deru) - Turvação appears
• 濁りがする (Nigori ga suru) - Turbidity manifests
• 濁りが増す (Nigori ga masu) - Turbidity increases
• 濁りが目立つ (Nigori ga medatsu) - Turbulence stands out
• 濁りが残る (Nigori ga nokoru) - Turbidity remains
• 濁りが漂う (Nigori ga tadayou) - Turvação hovers
• 濁りが広がる (Nigori ga hirogaru) - Cloudiness spreads
• 濁りが消える (Nigori ga kieru) - Turvação disappears
• 濁りが取れる (Nigori ga toreru) - Cloudiness is removed.
• 濁りが落ち着く (Nigori ga ochitsuku) - Turbidity stabilizes
• 濁りが解消する (Nigori ga kaishō suru) - Cloudiness is resolved