1.
unmanned, unstaffed
Operating or functioning without human personnel. Used for automated systems, machines, and facilities that do not require human operators.
無人販売所で野菜を買う。
To buy vegetables at an unmanned stand.
無人レジが増えている。
Self-checkout registers are increasing.
ドローンなどの無人航空機の規制が強化されている。
Regulations on unmanned aircraft such as drones are being tightened.
2.
uninhabited, deserted
Having no people living there. Used for islands, buildings, or areas with no inhabitants.
無人島に流れ着いた。
I was washed ashore on an uninhabited island.
この村は無人になった。
This village became deserted.
過疎化が進み、無人になった家屋がいくつも並んでいる。
Depopulation has advanced, and many deserted houses stand in a row.
USAGE:
Most commonly used as a modifier before nouns: 無人 + noun. In modern Japanese, sense 1 (unmanned/automated) is increasingly common due to the spread of automation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 無人島: uninhabited island
- 無人駅: unmanned station
- 無人販売: unmanned sales (honor-system stands)
- 無人レジ: self-checkout
- 無人航空機: unmanned aircraft, drone