不 在(ふざい)

ふざい

noun

absence, being away

1. absence, being away, not at home/office

The state of not being present at a particular location, such as one's home or workplace. Commonly used in business and delivery contexts.

田中(たなか)は不在(ふざい)です。

Tanaka is not in.

不在(ふざい)のため、荷物(にもつ)を受(う)け取(と)れなかった。

I couldn't receive the package because I was away.

社長(しゃちょう)の長期(ちょうき)不在(ふざい)の間(あいだ)、副社長(ふくしゃちょう)が代(か)わりに指揮(しき)を取(と)った。

During the president's extended absence, the vice president took command in his place.

不在(ふざい) is the formal word for someone not being where they are expected: not at home, not at their desk, not in the office. It is the word of delivery slips, office phone calls, and official notices.

Common collocations

不在(ふざい)にする: to be away (from home or office)
不在(ふざい)票(ひょう): missed-delivery slip, left by a courier when you are not home
不在(ふざい)通知(つうち): notice of a missed delivery
長期(ちょうき)不在(ふざい): extended absence

Similar words

留守(るす): the everyday word, centred on the home being left unattended (留守(るす)にする, 留守番(るすばん)). 不在(ふざい) is more formal and focuses on the person not being present.

Related Words

Synonym: 留守(るす) (away from home)

Compare: 欠席(けっせき)する (to be absent)

Compare: 離席(りせき) (leaving one's seat)

general

Added 2026.2.16 7:38 · Revised 2026.10.18 9:25

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