η„‘

JLPT N4

Nothing, without

Readings

On’yomi: γƒ , γƒ– (mu, bu)
Kun’yomi: γͺ(い) (na(i))
β€’ γͺ.い (nai) – not exist, none, nothing

Vocabulary

焑い
γͺい
not exist
焑理
γ‚€γ‚Š
impossible
η„‘ζ–™
γ‚€γ‚Šγ‚‡γ†
free of charge
η„‘δΊ‹
ぢじ
safe
焑言
むごん
silent

Example Sentences

γŠι‡‘γŒη„‘γ„γ§γ™γ€‚
γŠγ‹γ­ が γͺい です。
I have no money.
焑理しγͺいでください。
γ‚€γ‚Š しγͺいで ください。
Please don’t overdo it.

Cultural Note

🌌 The concept of η„‘ (nothing, nothingness) is central to Zen Buddhism and Japanese aesthetics.
β€’ In Zen, η„‘ represents emptiness, non-attachment, and simplicity, encouraging focus on the present moment.
β€’ Art forms like θŒΆι“ (tea ceremony), η¦…εΊ­ (Zen gardens), and δΏ³ε₯ (haiku) often embrace the concept of η„‘ β€” highlighting absence, negative space, or minimalism to express beauty.
β€’ Everyday Japanese also use η„‘ to describe absence, zero, or free-of-charge, like η„‘ζ–™ (free) or 焑理 (impossible).