Translation and Meaning of: 無能 - munou

The Japanese word 「無能」 (munou) is composed of two kanji: 「無」 and 「能」. The kanji 「無」 (mu) means "nothing", "absence", or "not", and is often used to denote the lack or non-existence of something. On the other hand, the kanji 「能」 (nou) refers to "ability", "capacity", or "talent". Thus, the etymology of 「無能」 suggests the absence of skills or capability, reflecting exactly the meaning of the word: "incompetence" or "ineptitude".

In the Japanese language, 「無能」 is used to describe a person who lacks the necessary skill or competence to perform a certain task or function. It is generally a negative expression and can be used in both professional and personal contexts. It is not just about a lack of technical skill; it can also indicate a deficiency in social or practical abilities in various areas of everyday life.

The origin of the use of 「無能」 dates back to the development of Chinese and Japanese writing systems, where the combination of these characters began to express the idea of a lack of ability since the beginning of its adoption in written language. Over the years, the expression has maintained its basic meaning, but the context of its application can vary, sometimes being used critically to highlight incompetence in specific situations. It is part of a group of words that describe efficiency or the lack thereof, indicating crucial aspects of social dynamics and the work environment in Japan.

Furthermore, the choice of words with 「無」 followed by nouns meaning abilities or qualities is common in Japanese, such as 「無力」(muryoku, impotence) and 「無礼」(burei, rudeness). This pattern reflects the depth with which the Japanese language can describe states of being both positive and negative, underscoring the cultural importance of the concept of skill and capability. 「無能」 not only expresses this absence but also invites reflection on the social and personal expectations associated with competence and performance.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 不器用 (Bukiyou) - Clumsy, desajeitado
• 無能 (Munou) - Incapable, incompetent
• 無能為力 (Munouwiryoku) - Inability to act, impotence
• 無能な (Munou na) - Incompetent, unskilled (adj.)
• 無能力 (Munouryoku) - Lack of skill, inability
• 無能力者 (Munourikusha) - Incompetent person, unable
• 無能者 (Munousha) - Incapable, incompetent
• 無能力な (Munourina) - Unskilled (adj.)
• 無能力者のような (Munourikusha no you na) - How a person without skill
• 無能力者のように (Munourikusha no you ni) - In a similar way to a person with no skill
• 無能な人 (Munou na hito) - Incompetent person
• 無能な人間 (Munou na ningen) - Incompetent individual
• 無能力な人 (Munourina hito) - Person without skill
• 無能力な人間 (Munourina ningen) - Individual without skill
• 無能力者の集まり (Munourikusha no atsumari) - Collective of people without skill
• 無能力者の集まりのような (Munourikusha no atsumari no you na) - As a collective of people without skill
• 無能力者の集まりのように (Munourikusha no atsumari no you ni) - In a similar way to a group of people without skills

無能

Romaji: munou
Kana: むのう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: inefficiency; incompetence

Meaning in English: inefficiency;incompetence

Definition: Lack of any skill or ability.

Example Sentences - (無能) munou

See below some example sentences:

無能な人間はいない。

Munou na ningen wa inai

There is no human being without skills.

There is no incompetent person.

• 無能な - without skill, unable
• 人間 - Human being
• は - Topic particle
• いない - does not exist