Translation guide
The English word 'impossible' is used to describe things that cannot happen, be done, or be true. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 不可能 (fukanō), but natural expression often depends on context. For everyday speech, phrases like 無理 (muri) or できない (dekinai) are more common. This guide covers formal, casual, and nuanced ways to express impossibility.
Expressing that an action or goal cannot be accomplished.
Common in casual and spoken Japanese. Means 'impossible', 'unreasonable', or 'can't be done'. Often used when something is beyond one's ability or too difficult.
一人で全部やるのは無理だ。
It's impossible to do everything alone.
そんなの無理に決まってる。
That's obviously impossible.
The potential negative form of する (to do). Literally 'cannot do'. Very common and neutral. Use when something is not possible due to ability, circumstances, or rules.
明日までに終わらせることはできない。
I can't finish it by tomorrow.
この問題は私にはできない。
I can't solve this problem.
Formal and written. Direct equivalent of 'impossible'. Used in official statements, news, or technical contexts.
その計画の実現は不可能だ。
Realizing that plan is impossible.
不可能を可能にする。
Make the impossible possible.
Grammar pattern meaning 'cannot afford to do' or 'it is impossible (due to obligation/morals)'. Used when something is not allowed by social norms or personal principles.
約束を破るわけにはいかない。
I can't break my promise. (It's impossible for me to do so.)
ここで諦めるわけにはいかない。
I can't give up here.
Pattern meaning 'there is no way that...' or 'it cannot be that...'. Expresses strong disbelief or logical impossibility.
彼がそんなことをするはずがない。
It's impossible that he would do such a thing.
Reacting to something surprising or hard to believe.
Literally 'cannot exist/be'. Very common in casual speech to mean 'no way!', 'unbelievable!', or 'that's impossible!'.
え、もう終わったの？ありえない！
What? You already finished? That's impossible!
そんなことありえないよ。
That can't be true.
Interjection meaning 'no way!', 'it can't be!'. Often used when hearing unexpected news.
Means 'I can't believe it'. Used for both positive and negative surprises.
こんなことが起こるなんて信じられない。
I can't believe something like this happened.
Describing a task or situation that is too hard or demanding.
Also used to mean 'unreasonable' or 'overly demanding'. Often in the phrase 無理な要求 (unreasonable demand).
それは無理な注文だ。
That's an impossible request.
Idiom meaning 'out of one's hands', 'unmanageable'. Used when a situation is too difficult to handle.
無理 (muri) is casual and often implies something is unreasonable or too hard. 不可能 (fukanō) is formal and factual. できない (dekinai) is neutral and simply states inability. Use 無理 in conversation, 不可能 in writing or formal speech, and できない in most everyday situations.
この仕事は私には無理だ。
This job is impossible for me. (casual)
この仕事は不可能です。
This task is impossible. (formal)
この仕事はできません。
I cannot do this job. (neutral)
Using 不可能 (fukanō) in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly dramatic. Stick to 無理 or できない unless you need a formal tone.
明日までにこれを終わらせるのは無理だ。
It's impossible to finish this by tomorrow.
No way, I can't believe he's quitting.
This problem is impossible for me to handle.