ぼかす・暈す・暈かすbokasu[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. godan verb, transitive verbto blur; to shade off; to gradate
   海綿かいめんは水みずを吸収きゅうしゅうしますので水彩すいさい絵具えのぐをぼかしたりする時ときに便利べんりです。↗

   Sponge absorbs water so it is convenient for shading water-colours and such.
2. godan verb, transitive verbto obscure; to make ambiguous

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

• SynonymぼやかすNeutralColloquial verb meaning to make vague or unclear; nearly interchangeable with 「ぼかす」, but rarely used for gradating paint in a picture.
• Related曇らせるくもらせるNeutralTransitive verb for darkening something or clouding someone's expression, as in 「顔を曇らせる」; it centres on darkening, not on gradating or blurring.
• Related曇らすくもらすNeutralTransitive verb for making something dim or dulling its sheen, like a mirror fogging over; it stresses loss of light and luster, not softening an edge.
• Related分かりにくくするNeutralExplanatory phrase meaning to make something hard to understand, whether deliberately or as an unintended result; no sense of shading or blur technique.
• AntonymくっきりさせるNeutralAntonym: to make outlines or images crisp and distinct — the opposite of 「暈す」, which blurs and shades off.

Use 「ぼかす」 for gradating paint, blurring photos, or speaking vaguely, as in 「背景をぼかす」「話をぼかす」. In casual speech 「ぼやかす」 works much the same; for darkening a face or mood use 「曇らせる」.

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

1. 色いろの濃淡のうたんの境目さかいめをはっきりさせずにぼんやりさせる。
2. 言葉ことばや表現ひょうげんを曖昧あいまいにする。