Translation and Meaning of: 無し - nashi

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 無し[なし]. It appears in various contexts, from restaurant menus to dialogues in animes, and understanding its meaning and usage can enrich your knowledge of the language. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some interesting facts that may help with memorization.

Besides being a common word, 無し carries interesting nuances that reflect aspects of Japanese culture. Whether for those looking to expand their vocabulary or simply to better understand everyday expressions, this guide will provide useful and practical information. Let's start by uncovering the basic meaning and then dive into the details that make this word so relevant.

Meaning and usage of 無し[なし]

The word 無し[なし] means "without" or "not having" and is frequently used to indicate the absence or negation of something. It functions as an adjective or part of compound expressions, conveying the idea that a certain element is not present. For example, on menus, you may find "wasabi nashi" (わさび無し), indicating that the dish does not contain wasabi.

Unlike other words that express negation, such as ない, 無し has a more objective and direct tone. It is versatile and appears in both formal and informal situations, from everyday conversations to written notices. Its usage is so common that many Japanese students encounter it early in their practical lessons.

Origin and writing of the kanji 無

The kanji 無, which makes up the word 無し, has Chinese origins and carries the meaning of "nothing" or "absence." It is composed of the radical 灬 (fire) at the bottom, while the upper part represents an ancient script associated with dance or movement. This combination suggests the idea of something that "dissipates like fire," reinforcing the sense of non-existence.

It is worth noting that 無し can also be written only in hiragana (なし), especially in more informal contexts or when the intention is to simplify the writing. However, the kanji 無 is widely recognized, and its presence in formal texts is almost always guaranteed. Understanding this duality helps to better comprehend how the Japanese language balances tradition and practicality.

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An effective way to remember the meaning of 無し is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, in restaurants, dishes with "nashi" in the name indicate the exclusion of some ingredient. This practical application makes it easier to retain vocabulary, especially for those who are in constant contact with Japanese culture.

Another curiosity is that 無し appears in popular expressions like "shiriai nashi" (知り合い無し), which means "without acquaintances." This kind of construction is common in dialogues and shows how the word naturally integrates into the language. Observing its use in animes, dramas, or songs can be a great way to absorb its meaning in a contextualized manner.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• なし (nashi) - absence, nothing
• 無し (nashi) - without, not having (more formal use)
• なく (naku) - lack, absence (negative form of the verb "to have")
• 欠けている (kaketeiru) - missing, incomplete
• 欠如している (ketsujo shiteiru) - to be lacking, formal absence of something
• 欠席している (kesseki shiteiru) - to be absent, not to attend (an event)
• 不在 (buzai) - absence (general)
• 抜けている ( Nuketeiru) - be lacking, failure in a more figurative context (may imply negligence)
• 欠乏している (ketsubō shiteiru) - to be scarce, lack of resources or supplies
• 欠陥している (kekkan shiteiru) - having defects, being compromised (in relation to quality)
• 欠点がある (kettan ga aru) - to have flaws, to have disadvantages
• 欠損している (kesson shiteiru) - to be damaged, to have missing parts
• 欠品している (keppin shiteiru) - be out of stock, have missing products
• 欠落している (ketsuraku shiteiru) - be absent, miss in a more literal context (like items)
• 欠員がある (keiin ga aru) - to have vacancies, to have positions available

無し

Romaji: nashi
Kana: なし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: without

Meaning in English: without

Definition: Sorry, but this word needs a clear meaning or definition. Can you tell me other words or terms?

Example Sentences - (無し) nashi

See below some example sentences:

この計画は台無しになった。

Kono keikaku wa dainashi ni natta

This plan was ruined.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 台無し - adjective meaning "ruined" or "spoiled"
• に - particle indicating action or state
• なった - verb in the past form meaning "became" or "stood"

「彼女との約束は無しです。」

Kanojo to no yakusoku wa nashi desu

There is no promise to her.

• 彼女との約束 - means "commitment to girlfriend"
• は - Topic particle
• 無し - means "there is no"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form