Ambiguous Expression (曖昧表現)

Japanese often uses indirect/ambiguous expressions to maintain harmony and avoid direct confrontation. Includes hedging, omission, and softening language.

Hedging: 〜と思う、〜かもしれない、〜ようです。Omission: subject/object dropped when clear from context. Softening: 〜ちょっと、〜少し、〜なかなか。Refusal: 考えておきます (I'll think about it) = soft no

AI must recognize implicit meanings: 考えておきます=refusal、結構です=context-dependent(acceptance or refusal)、いいえよりちょっと/難しい=soft rejection。Direct 'no' (いいえ) is rarely used