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.
田中は不在です。
Tanaka is not in.
不在のため、荷物を受け取れなかった。
I couldn't receive the package because I was away.
社長の長期不在の間、副社長が代わりに指揮を取った。
During the president's extended absence, the vice president took command in his place.
不在 is a formal way to express that someone is not present.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不在にする (be away, be absent)
- 不在通知 (absence notification)
- 不在届 (notice of absence)
- 不在票 (missed-delivery slip)
- 長期不在 (extended absence)
- 留守不在 (away from home)
In everyday delivery contexts, 不在票 is the slip left by a courier when you are not home to receive a package.