Japanese meaning of 五里霧中
Reading:
ごりむちゅう (gori muchuu)
English Translation:
At a loss / In a fog
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A mental state of being utterly lost or confused, unable to decide what to do or which direction to take, as if lost in a thick fog.
どうすればよいか判断がつかず、混乱しきっている状態。先行きが見えず、手探りで進むような不安や迷いの気持ちを表現します。
Cultural Context:
Originates from Chinese historical records describing a general disoriented in a literal fog for five “li” (about two kilometers). In Japan, it metaphorically describes mental confusion or lack of clarity in plans.
中国の歴史書に記された、将軍が五里にわたる霧で方向を失った故事に由来する。日本語では計画や思考の混乱、先行き不透明な状況を比喩的に表す。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase commonly used with “に陥る” to describe falling into confusion.
Trap for English Speakers
Can be misunderstood as a physical location or weather term instead of a metaphor for mental confusion.
Example
Basic Example
新しい規則の内容が曖昧で五里霧中だ。
I’m lost in confusion about the vague new rules.
Applied Example
作戦の途中で通信が途絶え、五里霧中の状況に陥った。
Mid-mission, they lost communication and were at a loss.