Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Without" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "without", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遠慮なく
えんりょなく (enryo naku)
N4 / 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 遠慮なく and 無碍.
In Japanese, 遠慮なく (えんりょなく (enryo naku)) is typically associated with "without hesitation, without reserve, feel free to" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to encourage someone to act freely, without holding back due to politeness or consideration for others. Often precedes an action or request..
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 "遠慮なく"
何か質問があれば、遠慮なく聞いてください。
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
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: "何か質問があれば、 ＿＿＿ 聞いてください。" (Meaning: "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遠慮なく" fits here because it means "without hesitation, without reserve, feel free to" in the context of: "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.". "無碍" represents "without hindrance, without impediment, freely, unreservedly".