1.
defenseless; unguarded; unprotected; vulnerable
Lacking defenses or protective measures. Can describe physical vulnerability, emotional openness, or careless exposure to risk.
無防備な姿を見せた。
She showed a defenseless side of herself.
鍵をかけないのは無防備すぎる。
Not locking the door is too careless.
彼は無防備な笑顔で周りの人を安心させる。
He puts people at ease with his unguarded smile.
Composed of 無 (without) + 防備 (defense/protection). Used both literally (lacking military or physical defenses) and figuratively (emotionally open, naive, carelessly exposed).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 無防備な姿: unguarded appearance
- 無防備な笑顔: unguarded smile
- 無防備な状態: defenseless state
- 無防備都市: undefended city (international law term)
USAGE:
In everyday Japanese, often used positively to describe someone who is naturally open and unguarded in a charming way, especially in descriptions of attractive people. In security or military contexts, it has a purely negative connotation.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 無力な: powerless — emphasizes lack of ability rather than lack of protection
- 脆弱な: fragile; vulnerable — more formal; often used for systems or structures
- 隙だらけ: full of openings — colloquial; implies carelessness