不在
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
absence; not being present
Used for someone not being at a place they are expected to be, such as home, office, or an event. Often appears in formal or written contexts.
The department head is absent today, so I will handle it in their place.
There was an important phone call during his absence.
disregard; indifference; lack of consideration
Used as a suffix, often in critical or formal contexts, to indicate that a person or group is being ignored or left out of consideration. Common in phrases like 国民不在 (disregard for the people).
See also: 国民不在 (こくみんふざい)
This policy was decided through discussions that disregarded the people.
Service improvements that ignore the users are meaningless.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉を不在にするto be away from a place (home, office, etc.)
I'll be away from the office for a week on a business trip.
- 〈人〉不在でwithout a key person present, in someone's absence
The discussion took place without the person concerned present.
- 〈人〉が不在の間にwhile someone is away
A package arrived while he was away.
- 〈人〉に不在を告げるto tell someone that a person is not in
The receptionist told the visitor that the manager was out.
Expressions
- 国民不在out of touch with the people; indifferent to public concerns