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 無理な and 不能未遂.
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 "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: "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.". "不能未遂" represents "impossible attempt".