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
不能犯
ふのうはん (funouhan)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "impossible" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 無理 and 不能犯.
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, 不能犯 (ふのうはん (funouhan)) 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 "無理"
この宿題は私には無理です。
This homework is impossible for me.
Bilingual Context for "不能犯"
私は不能犯に興味があります。
I am interested in impossible attempt.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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.". "不能犯" represents "impossible attempt".