1.
intangible, formless, immaterial
Having no physical form or shape. Often used in formal, legal, and cultural contexts to distinguish non-physical assets, heritage, or value from tangible ones.
Usage
Used as a noun or の-adjective (無形の). Most commonly encountered in the compound 無形文化財 (intangible cultural property) and 無形文化遺産 (intangible cultural heritage). Also used in business for intangible assets. The antonym is 有形 (tangible).
Common collocations
- 無形文化財 (intangible cultural property)
- 無形文化遺産 (intangible cultural heritage)
- 無形資産 (intangible assets)
- 無形の力 (intangible power/force)