Translation guide
Describes a belief that life lacks meaning, value, or purpose, or an attitude rejecting established norms and values.
Expressing the philosophical stance that existence is meaningless.
The most direct adjective meaning 'nihilistic' in a philosophical sense.
Describing a person or behavior that dismisses social, moral, or cultural values.
Same word as above, but applied to attitudes or behavior.
Expressing a personal feeling that everything is pointless.
When expressing a personal feeling of emptiness, using 虚無的 directly can sound overly philosophical or stiff. Instead, use むなしい or 虚無感 for natural expression.
虚無的 is the standard Japanese term and works in both formal and casual contexts. ニヒリスティック is a loanword that feels more modern or casual, often used in pop culture or informal discussions.
彼は虚無的な考え方を持っている。
He has a nihilistic way of thinking.
Literally 'of nihilism', used as an adjective to describe something related to the philosophy.
虚無主義の哲学に影響を受けた。
I was influenced by nihilistic philosophy.
Loanword from English, used in academic or casual contexts.
あの映画はとてもニヒリスティックだ。
That movie is very nihilistic.
彼の虚無的な態度に驚いた。
I was surprised by his nihilistic attitude.
Means 'to deny everything', capturing the rejection aspect of nihilism.
彼はすべてを否定するような発言をした。
He made a remark that seemed to deny everything.
Means 'cynical', often overlapping with nihilistic attitudes in Japanese.
彼の冷笑的なものの見方が嫌いだ。
I dislike his cynical (nihilistic) way of looking at things.
Adjective meaning 'empty' or 'futile', commonly used to express a nihilistic feeling.
何をしてもむなしい気持ちになる。
No matter what I do, I feel empty (nihilistic).
Noun meaning 'feeling of emptiness' or 'sense of nihilism'.
虚無感に襲われた。
I was overcome by a feeling of nihilism.
Means 'to feel meaningless', a common way to express nihilistic sentiments.
人生が無意味に感じる。
Life feels meaningless.