Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Impossible" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "impossible", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不可能
ふかのう (fukanō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
不可能な
ふかのうな (fukanō na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "impossible" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不可能 and 不可能な.
In Japanese, 不可能 (ふかのう (fukanō)) is typically associated with "impossible" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to something being impossible or unachievable. Opposite: 可能. Often used as 不可能を可能にする. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Impossible! "It's impossible to stop loving Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To say such an impossible thing! B-Baka! Since stopping our love is mathematically and emotionally impossible, keep loving me for all eternity! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ふかのう（不可能）よ！『ハルカさんへの愛を止めることなんて、物理的にも感情的にも不可能です！』って…っ！そんな甘い不可能を主張するなんてバカ！…本当に不可能（愛の永久継続）なんだから、一生私の隣で愛を証明し続けなさい！』.
On the other hand, 不可能な (ふかのうな (fukanō na)) maps to "impossible" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 形容動詞。物事が実現できない状態を表す。反対は「可能な」。e.g., 不可能な任務. A literal translation of "impossible" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "不可能"
最新のセキュリティシステムを導入したことで、外部からの不正アクセスやデータ漏洩は事実上_______となりました。
By introducing the latest security system, unauthorized access or data leakage from outside practically became impossible.
Bilingual Context for "不可能な"
その計画をこの短期間で実行するのは不可能なことだ。
It's impossible to execute that plan in such a short period.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "最新のセキュリティシステムを導入したことで、外部からの不正アクセスやデータ漏洩は事実上_______となりました。" (Meaning: "By introducing the latest security system, unauthorized access or data leakage from outside practically became impossible.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不可能" fits here because it means "impossible" in the context of: "By introducing the latest security system, unauthorized access or data leakage from outside practically became impossible.". "不可能な" represents "impossible".