Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Impossible" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "impossible", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
無理な
むりな (murina)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
不可能
ふかのう (fukanō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "impossible" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 無理な and 不可能.
In Japanese, 無理な (むりな (murina)) is typically associated with "impossible, unreasonable, overdoing it" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A な-adjective. Used to describe something that is impossible to do, an unreasonable request, or pushing oneself too hard.
On the other hand, 不可能 (ふかのう (fukanō)) maps to "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！』. A literal translation of "impossible" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "無理な"
今日中にこの仕事を終わらせるのは無理です。
It's impossible to finish this work by the end of today.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日中にこの仕事を終わらせるのは無理です。" (Meaning: "It's impossible to finish this work by the end of today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "無理な" fits here because it means "impossible, unreasonable, overdoing it" in the context of: "It's impossible to finish this work by the end of today.". "不可能" represents "impossible".