Japanese word

不利

Pronunciation

Romajifuri

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveat a disadvantage

Example

この試合では私たちが不利です。ko no shi ai de wa watashi ta chi ga fu ri de su

We are at a disadvantage in this game.

Illustration for 不利 (at a disadvantage)

More examples

情報が少ない側は、話し合いで不利になりやすいです。jō hō ga suku na i gawa wa hana shi a i de fu ri ni na ri ya su i de su

The side with less information is likely to be at a disadvantage in a discussion.

Core concept

Shows that circumstances do not support a person or side and make a favorable result less likely.

Common phrases

  • 不利になるfu ri ni na ru

    be at a disadvantage

  • 不利な立場fu ri na tachi ba

    an unfavorable position

  • 不利な条件fu ri na jō ken

    unfavorable conditions

  • 不利に働くfu ri ni hatara ku

    work against

Similar words

不利益furieki: A condition that causes loss or harm to a person or side.
不都合futsugō: A condition that causes difficulty or inconvenience in a situation.

Definition in Japanese

物事を行う際の条件や立場が相手より悪く、利益を得にくい状態。mono goto o okona u sai no jō ken ya tachi ba ga ai te yo ri waru ku ri eki o e ni ku i jō tai

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 不利 (furi) combines 不 (fu, "not") with 利 (ri, "advantage"), giving the sense of lacking an advantage.

Usage tips

  • Unlike a fixed personal weakness, 不利 (furi) usually points to an external position or condition that can change during a situation.

Other meanings

  • disadvantageousna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 不利さfurisadisadvantagenoun

Word lists with this word