JLPT · Level 6
74 words
Japanese word
ナンセンス
Pronunciation
Romajinansensu
Meaning
- na-adjectivenonsense
Example
その考えはナンセンスです。so no kanga e wa na n se n su de su
That idea is nonsense.
More examples
説明なしに結論を出すのはナンセンスです。setsu mei na shi ni ketsu ron o da su no wa na n se n su de su
It is nonsense to reach a conclusion without an explanation.
Core concept
Describes something that lacks reasonable grounds and therefore seems absurd.
Common phrases
ナンセンスな発言na n se n su na hatsu gen
a nonsensical remark
Similar words
不合理fugōri: Describes an idea or claim that does not follow reason or sound judgment.
不条理fujōri: Describes an idea or claim that conflicts with ordinary logic.
荒唐無稽kōtōmukei: Describes an idea or claim that is wildly unrealistic and difficult to believe.
Definition in Japanese
道理に合わず、ばかげているさま。dō ri ni a wa zu ba ka ge te i ru sa ma
Word origin
The loanword ナンセンス (nansensu) comes from English nonsense, formed from non meaning not and sense meaning reason or understanding.
Usage tips
- English speakers often know nonsense as a noun for meaningless speech, while Japanese ナンセンス (nansensu) commonly describes an idea or claim judged absurd.
Other meanings
- ridiculousna-adjective
Related words
- ナンセンスさnansensusaabsurditynoun