1.
colorless; uncolored; transparent
Having no color. Used to describe transparent liquids, gases, and other substances, as well as figuratively for things that are neutral or without character.
水は無色透明だ。
Water is colorless and transparent.
この液体は無色無臭で危険だ。
This liquid is colorless and odorless, making it dangerous.
一酸化炭素は無色無臭のガスなので、漏れに気づきにくい。
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, making leaks hard to detect.
Composed of 無 (without) + 色 (color). Describes the absence of color. Very commonly paired with 透明 (transparent) or 無臭 (odorless) to describe substances.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 無色透明: colorless and transparent
- 無色無臭: colorless and odorless
- 無色の液体: a colorless liquid
- 無色の気体: a colorless gas
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 透明: transparent — lets light through but may have color (e.g., colored glass)
- 無職: unemployed — a homophone with a completely different meaning and kanji
NOTE:
Not to be confused with the homophone 無職 (unemployed). The kanji make the distinction clear in writing.