PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

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.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
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.<br>• Especially applied to speech or writing.
日本語で読む
• 話や文章がまとまらず、論理が通らない場合によく用いる。

Trap for English Speakers

Be careful not to translate literally as "broken and scattered"; "incoherent" is the natural English equivalent.
日本語で読む
「broken and scattered」と直訳すると意味が伝わらないので、「incoherent」と言い換えるのが自然。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 彼の説明は支離滅裂だった。

    His explanation was incoherent.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 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.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「支離滅裂」 mean?

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