無碍(むげ)

むげ
na-adjective
unhindered; free; without obstruction
formalliterarydescriptive
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(ゆうずうむげ)な考(かんが)え方(かた)が大切(たいせつ)だ。
A flexible, unhindered way of thinking is important.
彼(かれ)は無碍(むげ)に自分(じぶん)の意見(いけん)を述(の)べた。
He expressed his opinion freely and without restraint.
自由(じゆう)無碍(むげ)に天下(てんか)を旅(たび)する僧侶(そうりょ)の姿(すがた)が描(えが)かれている。
The story depicts a monk traveling the land freely and without hindrance.

From Buddhist terminology, literally "without obstruction" (無(む) = without, 碍(げ) = obstacle/hindrance). Also written as 無礙(むげ). Most commonly encountered as part of four-character compounds.

Common collocations

  • 融通無碍(ゆうずうむげ) — completely flexible; adaptable without constraint
  • 自由無碍(じゆうむげ) — completely free; unrestricted
  • 縦横無碍(じゅうおうむげ) — 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(よじじゅくご)). These compounds are used in written language and formal speech to describe unrestricted freedom of action or thought.

Similar words

  • 自由(じゆう) — free; freedom (everyday word for freedom, without the literary/Buddhist overtone)
  • 闊達(かったつ) — open-minded; magnanimous (describes personality rather than absence of obstacles)

Related Words

Compare: 自由(じゆう) (free)
general
Added 2026.5.7 0:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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