Japanese Conversation · Level 110
60 words
Japanese word
無難
Pronunciation
Romajibunan
Meaning
- na-adjectivesafe
Example
これは無難な答えです。ko re wa bu nan na kota e de su
This is a safe answer.
More examples
初対面では無難な話題を選びます。hatsu tai men de wa bu nan na wa dai o era bi ma su
I choose a safe topic when I first meet someone.
Core concept
It presents a choice or action as unlikely to cause danger, trouble, or disagreement.
Common phrases
無難な話題bu nan na wa dai
a safe topic
無難な選択bu nan na sen taku
a safe choice
Similar words
穏当ontō: Moderate and unlikely to cause conflict or strong criticism.
安全anzen: Free from physical danger or serious risk.
Definition in Japanese
危険や失敗のおそれがなく、問題を起こしにくいこと。ki ken ya ship pai no o so re ga na ku mon dai o o ko shi ni ku i ko to
Word origin
The compound 無難 (bunan) combines 無 (bu, "without") with 難 (nan, "difficulty"), expressing something that avoids trouble.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 無難 (bunan) often describes a conservative choice that avoids controversy, so it can mean inoffensive as well as safe.
Other meanings
- inoffensivena-adjective
Opposites
- 危険kikendangerousna-adjective
Related words
- 無難さbunansasafetynoun