1.
unhindered; free; without obstruction
Having no obstacles or impediments; able to move or act freely. Originally a Buddhist term meaning freedom from all barriers.
融通無碍な考え方が大切だ。
A flexible, unhindered way of thinking is important.
彼は無碍に自分の意見を述べた。
He expressed his opinion freely and without restraint.
自由無碍に天下を旅する僧侶の姿が描かれている。
The story depicts a monk traveling the land freely and without hindrance.
From Buddhist terminology, literally "without obstruction" (無 = without, 碍 = obstacle/hindrance). Also written as 無礙. Most commonly encountered as part of four-character compounds.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 融通無碍 — completely flexible; adaptable without constraint
- 自由無碍 — completely free; unrestricted
- 縦横無碍 — freely in all directions; without any restriction
USAGE:
Rarely used as a standalone adjective in modern speech. Most often appears in four-character compounds (四字熟語). These compounds are used in written language and formal speech to describe unrestricted freedom of action or thought.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 自由 — free; freedom (everyday word for freedom, without the literary/Buddhist overtone)
- 闊達 — open-minded; magnanimous (describes personality rather than absence of obstacles)