Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Without" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "without", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もれなく
もれなく (more naku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
無碍
むげ (muge)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "without" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もれなく and 無碍.
In Japanese, もれなく (もれなく (more naku)) is typically associated with "without exception, everyone, all, unfailingly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something applies to or includes everyone or everything in a given group, with no exceptions. Often used in announcements or campaigns..
On the other hand, 無碍 (むげ (muge)) maps to "without hindrance, without impediment, freely, unreservedly" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 何の妨げもなく、自由に行動できること。また、遠慮なく振る舞う様子。仏教用語に由来する。. A literal translation of "without" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もれなく"
参加者全員にもれなく記念品が贈られます。
All participants will receive a souvenir without exception.
Bilingual Context for "無碍"
彼は社長相手にも無碍に自分の意見を述べた。
He freely expressed his opinion even to the president without hesitation.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "参加者全員に ＿＿＿ 記念品が贈られます。" (Meaning: "All participants will receive a souvenir without exception.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もれなく" fits here because it means "without exception, everyone, all, unfailingly" in the context of: "All participants will receive a souvenir without exception.". "無碍" represents "without hindrance, without impediment, freely, unreservedly".