Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Impossible" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "impossible", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
無理
むり (muri)
N4 / 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 無理 and 不可能な.
In Japanese, 無理 (むり (muri)) is typically associated with "impossible, unreasonable, difficult" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used to describe something that is too difficult, impossible, or an excessive demand. Can also mean "overdoing it".
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 "無理"
この宿題は私には無理です。
This homework is impossible for me.
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: "この宿題は私には ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "This homework is impossible for me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "無理" fits here because it means "impossible, unreasonable, difficult" in the context of: "This homework is impossible for me.". "不可能な" represents "impossible".