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    ピンとこない話 (pin to konai hanashi - a story that doesn't make sense)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression / idiomatic phrase
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase is composed of 「ピンとこない (pin to konai)」, an idiomatic expression meaning 'doesn't click' or 'doesn't resonate', and 「話 (hanashi)」, meaning 'story' or 'topic'. 「ピンとこない」 is the negative form of 「ピンとくる (pin to kuru)」, which indicates a sudden understanding or insight. When used with 「話」, it describes a story or explanation that lacks clarity or fails to make an impression on the listener.

    Sample sentences

    彼の話はいつも抽象的すぎて、正直ピンとこない話が多い。

    His stories are always too abstract, and honestly, many of them just don't make sense to me.

    なぜ彼女がそんな行動をしたのか、説明を聞いてもピンとこない話だ。

    Even after hearing the explanation, it's a story that just doesn't click why she acted that way.

    その企画書は内容が漠然としていて、部長にとってピンとこない話だったようだ。

    The project proposal was vague in its content, and it seemed to be a story that didn't resonate with the manager.

    Quick facts

    nuance:「ピンとこない」 implies a lack of intuitive understanding or a failure for information to 'click' in one's mind, rather than just intellectual incomprehension. It often suggests a lack of clarity, relevance, or persuasive power in the communication.
    origin_of_pin:The 'pin' in 'pin to kuru' is an onomatopoeic word or mimetic word (giongo/gitaigo) representing the sound or sensation of something suddenly clicking or hitting a target, much like a pin hitting a board, or a light bulb going on.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    彼の話はいつも抽象的すぎて、正直ピンとこない話が多い。

    His stories are always too abstract, and honestly, many of them just don't make sense to me.

    なぜ彼女がそんな行動をしたのか、説明を聞いてもピンとこない話だ。

    Even after hearing the explanation, it's a story that just doesn't click why she acted that way.

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