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にべもない Japanese meaning | Kotomora

にべもない

に

べ

も

な

い

Meanings

1

expression, i-adjective

curt; blunt; point-blank

Describes a reply or manner that is abrupt, dismissive, or lacking any warmth or elaboration. Often used with verbs like 言う or 断る.

彼かれはにべもなく「いいえ」と言いった。
He said 'no' curtly.
にべもない返へん事じで

断ことわ

ら

れ

た

。

I was turned down with a blunt reply.

Kanji

無nothingness, none, ain't

Similar words

そっけない
そっけない also means cold or curt, but often implies a lack of friendliness or warmth in attitude, while にべもない emphasizes the abrupt, dismissive nature of a reply or action.
ぶっきらぼう
ぶっきらぼう describes a brusque, rough manner of speaking, often unintentionally rude. にべもない is more about the content being blunt and lacking any softening.

Etymology

The exact origin is uncertain. にべ may be related to 鰾 (nibe, 'swim bladder' or 'isinglass'), which was used as glue, but the connection to 'curt' is unclear. The phrase is now treated as a fixed expression.