Japanese word

不能

Pronunciation

Romajifunō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveimpossible

Example

その条件では、計画の実行は不能です。so no jō ken de wa kei kaku no jik kō wa fu nō de su

Under those conditions, carrying out the plan is impossible.

Illustration for 不能 (impossible)

More examples

停電中は、遠隔操作が不能です。tei den chū wa en kaku sō sa ga fu nō de su

Remote operation is impossible during a power outage.

Core concept

Describes a situation in which an action cannot be carried out because the necessary conditions or ability are lacking.

Common phrases

  • 実行不能jik kō fu nō

    impossible to carry out

  • 実現不能jitsu gen fu nō

    impossible to realize

Similar words

不可能fukanō: An action or situation cannot occur or succeed because no possible way exists.
無理muri: An action cannot be done because it exceeds the available ability, resources, or conditions.
困難konnan: An action can be carried out only with difficulty because significant obstacles stand in the way.

Definition in Japanese

条件や能力などのため、物事を実行することができないさま。jō ken ya nō ryoku na do no ta me mono goto o jik kō su ru ko to ga de ki na i sa ma

Word origin

Combines 不 (fu, "not") and 能 (nō, "ability"), so 不能 (funō) presents a lack of ability or possibility.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, 不能 (funō) sounds formal, while できない (dekinai) is more common in everyday speech.

Opposites

Related words

  • 不能性funōseiimpossibilitynoun

Word lists with this word