Translation guide
The English word 'nothing' can be expressed in Japanese through various words and patterns depending on whether it means 'not anything', 'zero', 'nonexistence', or is used in phrases like 'nothing but'. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to convey these meanings.
Expressing that there is no thing, or that something does not exist at all.
Used with a negative verb to mean 'nothing' or 'not anything'. This is the most common and natural way to say 'nothing' in Japanese.
There is nothing in the fridge.
He said nothing.
Emphasizes 'not a single thing'. Stronger than 何も, often used for emphasis.
There is nothing wrong at all.
Literary or philosophical term for 'nothingness' or 'void'. Not used in everyday conversation.
Nothing comes from nothing.
Indicating the number zero or the absence of quantity.
Expressing that something is exclusively the case, often with a nuance of 'merely' or 'just'.
Attached to a noun or verb to mean 'nothing but' or 'only'. Implies a limited or insufficient amount.
Means 'only' or 'just'. Less emphatic than しかない, and can be used in positive sentences.
This is nothing but the truth.
Formal expression meaning 'nothing more than'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
That is nothing but a rumor.
Downplaying something as unimportant or not worth mentioning.
Expressing that an action yields no result or is wasted.
Answering a question with 'nothing' to indicate no issues or no content.
When someone asks what's wrong, 何でもない means 'it's nothing' or 'never mind'.
A: What's wrong? B: Nothing.
Casual way to say 'nah, nothing' when deflecting a question.
A: Did something happen? B: Nah, nothing.
In English, 'nothing' can stand alone as a subject or object. In Japanese, you usually need to use 何も with a negative verb. Saying just 無 or ゼロ in place of 'nothing' often sounds unnatural.
I see nothing.
Both mean 'nothing', but 何一つ adds emphasis and is often used in negative sentences to stress that not even one thing exists. 何も is neutral and more common.
The temperature dropped to zero degrees.