synonym Comparative
おぼつかない
VS
怪しい
Differences Between "おぼつかない" and "怪しい"
Option A
おぼつかない
Meaning
uncertain, unreliable, shaky, unsteady, doubtful, precarious
Reading
おぼつかない (obotsukanai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
老いた祖父は、足元がおぼつかない様子で歩いていた。
My elderly grandfather walked with unsteady steps.
Option B
怪しい
Meaning
suspicious, dubious, questionable; unreliable
Reading
あやしい (ayashii)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
怪しい人物が家の周りをうろついていた。
A suspicious person was loitering around the house.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(uncertain, unreliable, shaky, unsteady, doubtful, precarious)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- おぼつかない: Describes a state of being unstable, unsteady, or unreliable, often with a sense of anxiety or doubt about the outcome. Can refer to physical balance, a future prospect, or someone's ability.
- 怪しい: Most commonly used to describe something or someone that seems suspicious, untrustworthy, or uncertain. Can also describe weather that looks like it might change (e.g., rain).
- おぼつかない: Describes a state of being unstable, unsteady, or unreliable, often with a sense of anxiety or doubt about the outcome. Can refer to physical balance, a future prospect, or someone's ability.
- 怪しい: Most commonly used to describe something or someone that seems suspicious, untrustworthy, or uncertain. Can also describe weather that looks like it might change (e.g., rain).
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