Japanese meaning of 支離滅裂
Reading:
しりめつれつ (shiri metsuretsu)
English Translation:
Incoherent. / Disorganized and inconsistent.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A lack of logical connection or consistency, resulting in confusion, disorder, or chaos. This phrase is often used for arguments, plans, or stories that are difficult to understand due to poor structure.
物事の筋道や整合性が取れておらず、考えや話の内容がバラバラでまとまりのない状態。論理的なつながりがなく、混乱や混沌を招く状況を表します。
Cultural Context:
Frequently used in media criticism, academic analysis, and everyday conversation to highlight poor organization or incoherence.
メディア批評、学術的分析、日常会話で使われ、まとまりのなさや論理破綻を指摘する際に用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• "Incoherent." / "Disorganized and inconsistent." = Used to describe something lacking logical flow or clarity.
• Especially applied to speech or writing.
Trap for English Speakers
Be careful not to translate literally as "broken and scattered"; "incoherent" is the natural English equivalent.
Example
Basic Example
彼の説明は支離滅裂だった。
His explanation was incoherent.
Applied Example
作戦会議は支離滅裂、誰も結論を出せなかった。
The strategy meeting was incoherent — no one could reach a decision.