Translation and Meaning of: 不在 - fuzai

The Japanese word 「不在」 (fuzai) is a term commonly used to describe absence. This word is composed of two kanji characters: 「不」 and 「在」。 The kanji 「不」 is a prefix that indicates negation or opposition, while 「在」 means to be, to exist, or to be present. Thus, combining these characters, the essential meaning of 「不在」 is "not present" or "absence."

Historically, 「不在」 has its roots in ancient Japanese and Chinese literary uses, where the combination of these kanji was used to express the absence of something or someone in a given place. The application of this term extends to various contexts, such as in work environments when someone is absent, or in everyday situations, indicating that one is not in the expected location.

Variations and Use in Culture

In Japan, it is common to encounter the term 「不在」 in contexts such as messages left by delivery companies, indicating that the person was absent when the delivery attempt was made. Additionally, variations like 「不在票」 (fuzai hyō), which refers to the absence notice left by deliverers, demonstrate the practical applicability of this term in everyday Japanese life.

Another significant cultural use of 「不在」 is related to family and social events, where absence is noticed or mentioned. The term can also be used in more philosophical or literary discussions, symbolizing the lack of something beyond the physical, such as the absence of feelings or sensations. These applications demonstrate the versatility of the word within the Japanese language and culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 欠席 (Kesseki) - Absence or lack, usually in a context of school or work.
• 留守 (Rusu) - Being away from home; it can refer to someone who is not present in their usual place.
• 不在届 (Fuzaitodoke) - A notice of absence; notification that the person will not be present.
• 留守番 (Rusuban) - Being at home (caretaker) while others are out; generally refers to a person who stays at home to take care of the place.
• 留守中 (Rusuchuu) - During the absence; refers to the period when someone is away.
• いない (Inai) - Not being present; usually informal.
• いなくなる (Inakunaru) - To cease to be present; it implies an act of departing or disappearing.
• いなくなった (Inakunatta) - It was absent; refers to the past of having ceased to be present.
• いなくなっている (Inakunatte iru) - Currently not being present; implies continuity of absence.
• いなくなっていた (Inakunatte ita) - Was absent; a previous state of absence that has already occurred.
• いなくなり (Inakunari) - From the act of no longer being present; a way to emphasize the action.
• いなくなること (Inakunaru koto) - The condition of no longer being present; the concept of absence.
• いなくなったこと (Inakunatta koto) - The condition of no longer being present; an event that has occurred.
• いなくなっていること (Inakunatte iru koto) - The current condition of being absent; the current state of not being present.
• いなくなっていたこと (Inakunatte ita koto) - The previous condition of having been absent; past fact.
• いなくなる原因 (Inakunaru gen'in) - Reasons for not being present; causes for absence.
• いなくなる理由 (Inakunaru riyuu) - Reason someone is no longer present; explanation for the absence.

不在

Romaji: fuzai
Kana: ふざい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: ausência

Meaning in English: absence

Definition: Not to be in a specific place.

Example Sentences - (不在) fuzai

See below some example sentences:

彼女は今日不在です。

Kanojo wa kyō fuzai desu

She is not present today.

She is absent today.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 今日 (kyou) - hoje
• 不在 (fuzai) - ausente
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form