無理

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. それは無理です、できません。▶ —
   That's impossible / too much, I can't do it.
2. 無理しないでくださいね。▶ —
   Please don't push yourself too hard.

Collocations

Mnemonic

Muri (無理) is the Sino-Japanese "impossible / unreasonable" — 無 (no) + 理 (reason / logic) = "without reason = impossible." Na-adjective and noun. Muri na youkyuu (unreasonable demand), muri suru (overdo / force, used as verb), muri nandai (unreasonable demand / dilemma). The phrase muri shinaide (don't overdo it) is a key Japanese social expression — Korean "mu-ri-ha-ji ma" parallels. Japan's overwork culture (hatarakisugi) makes muri shinaide a frequent expression of care among coworkers and family. The formal Sino-Japanese fukanou (不可能) is for objective / logical impossibility; muri is subjective / practical strain. Internet slang: muri-gee (impossible game = too hard).

Quick check

1. Natural Japanese "don't overdo it" to a coworker?

   • "Muri shinaide kudasai ne" — caring phrase
   • "Fukanou desu yo" — objective impossibility, mismatch
   • "Ganbare!" — go for it, opposite effect
   • "Yamero!" — stop, rough command