有無(うむ)

うむ
noun
presence or absence, existence
formalwrittenabstract
1. presence or absence, whether something exists
Whether something is present or not; the question of existence or non-existence. Used in formal and written contexts to ask about or indicate whether something applies.
経験(けいけん)の有無(うむ)は問(と)いません。
Experience is not required. (Lit: We do not ask about the presence or absence of experience.)
有無(うむ)を言(い)わさず連(つ)れていかれた。
I was taken away without being allowed to say a word.
有無(うむ)を言(い)わさず is a set expression meaning 'without allowing any objection'.
応募(おうぼ)の際(さい)に資格(しかく)の有無(うむ)を確認(かくにん)してください。
Please confirm whether you have the qualifications when applying.

Usage

Used in formal and written Japanese, especially on forms and in official contexts. The pattern ～の有無(うむ) asks whether something exists or applies. The set phrase 有無(うむ)を言(い)わさず means 'without allowing objection; giving no choice'.

Common collocations

general
Added 2026.2.23 15:31 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
13000/13019_umu