1.
impossible, unreasonable
Beyond what is possible or reasonable.
2.
forcing, overdoing
Doing something beyond one's capacity.
無理しないでください。
Please don't overdo it.
When I was young I could push myself, but as I get older it takes time to recover.
無理 expresses impossibility, unreasonableness, or overexertion.
GRAMMATICAL FUNCTIONS:
- Noun: 無理だ (it's impossible)
- Na-adjective: 無理な要求 (unreasonable demand)
- Verbal: 無理する (to push oneself too hard)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 無理しないで: don't overdo it
- 無理を言う: to make unreasonable demands
- 無理がある: there are problems, it's unreasonable
- 無理もない: it's understandable
COMPOUNDS:
- 無理矢理: forcibly, by force
- 無理難題: unreasonable demand
CONTRAST:
- 無理: impossible, forced ↔ 可能: possible
- 無理: unreasonable ↔ 当然: natural, reasonable
NOTE:
無理しないでね is a common expression of concern meaning "don't push yourself."
Related Words
Antonym:
可能 (possible)