無(む)

む
noun, prefix
nothing, nothingness; non-, un-
1. nothing, nothingness, nonexistence, the void
The concept of absolute nothingness or nonexistence. An important concept in Buddhist philosophy and Zen, representing the absence of all things.
無(む)の境地(きょうち)に達(たっ)する。
To reach a state of nothingness.
禅(ぜん)では無(む)を悟(さと)ることが大切(たいせつ)だとされる。
In Zen, it is considered important to realize nothingness.
有(う)から無(む)は生(う)まれない。
Nothing cannot arise from something.
2. non-, un-, without, -less
As a prefix, negates or indicates the absence of what follows. Extremely productive — attaches to many nouns to form compound words.
無料(むりょう)で入場(にゅうじょう)できる。
You can enter for free.
この商品(しょうひん)は無添加(むてんか)です。
This product is additive-free.
彼(かれ)は無関心(むかんしん)な態度(たいど)をとった。
He took an indifferent attitude.

USAGE:
As a standalone word, 無(む) is philosophical and literary, closely tied to Buddhist and Zen thought. As a prefix, it is one of the most productive negation prefixes in Japanese, appearing in countless compounds.

COMMON COMPOUNDS (PREFIX):

  • 無料(むりょう): free of charge
  • 無理(むり): impossible, unreasonable
  • 無関心(むかんしん): indifference
  • 無添加(むてんか): additive-free
  • 無意味(むいみ): meaningless
  • 無視(むし): ignoring, disregard
  • 無限(むげん): infinite

DISTINCTION:
Contrasts with 有(う)/有(ゆう) (existence, having). Also compare with 非(ひ)～ (non-, un-) and 不(ふ)～ (un-, dis-), which are similar negation prefixes with slightly different nuances.

general
Added 2026.3.19 8:10
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