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
見向きもせず
みむきもせず (mimuki mo sezu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "without" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遠慮なく and 見向きもせず.
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, 見向きもせず (みむきもせず (mimuki mo sezu)) maps to "without even looking, without paying any attention, ignoring completely" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A strong expression indicating a complete lack of interest or attention towards something or someone, often implying a deliberate act of ignoring.. 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 "見向きもせず"
彼は私の呼びかけに見向きもせず通り過ぎた。
He passed by without even looking at me, ignoring my call.
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.". "見向きもせず" represents "without even looking, without paying any attention, ignoring completely".