Translation and Meaning of: 無し - nashi

The Japanese word 「無し」 (nashi) is quite versatile and can be found in various everyday situations in Japan. Etymologically, this word is composed of the kanji 「無」, which means "not" or "without," and is often used to denote the absence of something. The reading of this kanji, "nashi," originates from ancient Japanese, where the suffix "-shi" indicated a conjugation in adjectives meaning "does not exist" or "there is no."

In everyday use, 「無し」 is used to express the absence of something, as in "without salt" or "without sugar." The word is also common to refer to conditions where something does not exist or is nonexistent. This term is often used casually in conversations and also in writing, when one wishes to emphasize that something is not present or not needed.

Variations and Contexts of Use

• As an idiomatic expression, 「無し」 can be used in sentences to indicate the absence of a worry or challenge, as in "no problem."
• In product ratings, it may appear to refer to items that do not have certain characteristics.
• Used in a series of variations, such as 「何も無し」 (nanimonashi), which reinforces the idea of nothing at all.

In addition to its descriptive function, the use of the word 「無し」 in cultural contexts demonstrates the importance of clarity and economy of words in the Japanese language. For example, in situations where something is offered for free or at no additional cost, 「無料」 (muryou) is a complex expression that also includes the kanji 「無」, highlighting the absence of cost. This relationship between words reveals how the kanji 「無」, and therefore 「無し」, is central to describing situations of absence in various cultural and linguistic contexts in Japan.

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) - estar faltando, estar incompleto
• 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: sem

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 the polite form