How to say "cryptic" in Japanese

• 意味不明いみふめいCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'cryptic' in the sense of something whose meaning is unclear or baffling; as the common word of the pair, it suits descriptions of puzzling messages, remarks, or writing.
  意味いみ不明ふめいの微笑びしょうが日本人にほんじんに特有とくゆうである、としばしば指摘してきされる。↗

  It is often pointed out that a vague smile is typical of the Japanese.
• 意味不いみふ
  na-adjectiveSame sense — meaning unclear or baffling — but this clipped slang abbreviation of 意味不明 is less common, fitting casual conversation rather than careful writing.

Both cover 'cryptic' as unclear or baffling in meaning, so the choice is one of tone: use the common 意味不明 in most contexts, and the less common slang abbreviation 意味不 in casual speech.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 意味不明いみふめいof uncertain meaning
• 意味不いみふof uncertain meaning