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不透明
fūtōmei
opaque
この材料は不透明で、中身が見えない。
This material is opaque, so you can't see inside.
general
Lacking transparency; not allowing light to pass through; opaque.
ガラスは透明だが、このプラスチックは不透明だ。
Glass is transparent, but this plastic is opaque.
Often used literally to describe materials that do not allow light to pass through.
general
Lacking clarity or transparency in information, decisions, or processes; unclear.
その会社の財務状況は不透明で、投資家を不安にさせている。
The company's financial situation is opaque, making investors uneasy.
Commonly used metaphorically to describe situations where information is hidden or unclear.
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
While it can describe physical opacity, it is more commonly used to describe unclear or hidden information.
Word Origin
Composed of 不 (fu, 'not') + 透明 (tōmei, 'transparent').
Usage Notes
In modern usage, it is often used metaphorically to describe lack of clarity in information or processes, especially in business and politics.
Word Breakdown
不
not
prefix透明
transparent
root和英辞典