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無理
muri
impossible
この仕事は今日中に終わらせるのは無理だ。
It's impossible to finish this work by today.
general
impossible or unfeasible due to excessive difficulty or lack of resources
この計画は予算が足りなくて無理だ。
This plan is impossible because the budget is insufficient.
そんな無理な要求を受け入れるわけにはいかない。
I can't accept such an unreasonable demand.
Often used to describe tasks, requests, or situations that cannot be achieved under given conditions.
general
to force oneself to do something beyond one's ability or without regard for consequences
彼は無理をしてでも成功したいと思っている。
He wants to succeed even if it means pushing himself too hard.
無理しないでください。
Please don't push yourself too hard.
Commonly used in phrases like 無理をする (to overwork oneself) or 無理に (forcefully, against one's will).
general
unreasonable or illogical
彼の言うことは無理な理屈ばかりだ。
What he says is full of unreasonable logic.
Used to describe ideas, demands, or behavior that defy common sense.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 無理 from 不可能
無理 implies a situation is impossible under current conditions, often due to lack of resources or excessive difficulty, while 不可能 strictly means 'impossible' in an absolute sense. For example, 'この仕事は今日中に無理だ' (It's impossible to finish this work by today) suggests the task is too hard or time is too short, whereas 'これは不可能な計画だ' (This is an impossible plan) suggests the plan is fundamentally flawed.
Gold Rule
Using 無理 as a suru-verb
無理 can act as a suru-verb (無理する) to mean 'to overwork oneself' or 'to push beyond limits.' It often carries a negative connotation of self-harm or unsustainable effort, so use it cautiously in polite contexts.
Word Origin
From the Middle Chinese 'wu li' (無理), meaning 'without reason' or 'unreasonable.' The Japanese usage evolved to include senses of impossibility and forcing oneself beyond limits.
Usage Notes
無理 is a versatile word used in both literal and figurative contexts. It can describe tasks that cannot be done (impossible), actions taken despite difficulty (overworking), or demands that defy logic (unreasonable). In polite speech, it's often softened with phrases like '無理しないでください' (Please don't push yourself).
Word Breakdown
無
not; without
prefix理
reason; logic
root和英辞典