Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Impossible" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "impossible", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不可能な
ふかのうな (fukanō na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
不能未遂
ふのうみすい (funoumisui)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "impossible" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不可能な and 不能未遂.
In Japanese, 不可能な (ふかのうな (fukanō na)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 不能未遂 (ふのうみすい (funoumisui)) maps to "impossible attempt" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "impossible" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "不能未遂"
私は不能未遂に興味があります。
I am interested in impossible attempt.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その計画をこの短期間で実行するのは ＿＿＿ ことだ。" (Meaning: "It's impossible to execute that plan in such a short period.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不可能な" fits here because it means "impossible" in the context of: "It's impossible to execute that plan in such a short period.". "不能未遂" represents "impossible attempt".