How to say "riddle" in Japanese

• 謎なぞJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe broad word: a riddle or puzzle to be solved, but also an enigma or mystery — something unexplained, as in an unsolved case or a person who is hard to figure out.
  このなぞの答こたえを考かんがえつきますか。↗

  Can you guess this riddle?
• なぞなぞJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounA riddle as a game: a playful question with a clever hidden answer, posed for fun, especially among children; usually written in kana. Not the word for mysteries or figurative enigmas.
  「もしおまえが私のなぞなぞ答こたえられたら、私はおまえを無事ぶじに通とおしてやる」とスフィンクスは言いった。↗

  "I will let you pass safely," the Sphinx said, "if you can answer my riddle."

Use 「なぞなぞ」 for a riddle as a playful question-and-answer game; use 謎 for a riddle in a broader sense and for mysteries — something puzzling or unexplained.

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

• 謎なぞriddle
• なぞなぞriddle
• 当て物あてものriddle
• 篩うふるうto sieve (e.g. flour)
• 穴だらけにするあなだらけにするto fill with holes
• 判じ物はんじものpuzzle
• 考え物かんがえものpuzzle
• 当て事あてごとguessing (game)