zwielichtig
Translation
shady, dubious, questionable, sketchy
Examples
Er ist eine zwielichtige Gestalt.
He is a shady character.
Seine Geschäfte sind zwielichtig.
His business dealings are dubious.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is shady/dubious His business dealings are zwielichtig.
Similar Words
Synonyms: dubios, suspekt, fragwürdig; Antonyms: seriös, vertrauenswürdig (trustworthy)
Etymology
From 'zwie-' (two) + 'Licht' (light). It describes something seen in 'two lights', hence unclear or dubious, like in twilight.
Memory Tips
Picture someone standing in twilight ('Zwielicht'). You can't see their face clearly, making them seem 'zwielichtig' or shady.