Dictionary
English - Japanese

Nothing

ˈnəθɪŋ
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

何も (なにも, nanimo), 無 (む, mu), 無意味 (むいみ, muimi), なんにも (nannimo)

Nothing meanings in Japanese

何も (なにも, nanimo)

Example:
I have nothing to say.
私は何も言うことがありません。
There is nothing in the box.
箱の中には何もありません。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to express the absence of anything, whether objects, ideas, or responses.
Note: When used with a negative verb, '何も' emphasizes the total absence of something.

無 (む, mu)

Example:
He felt a sense of nothingness.
彼は無の感覚を感じた。
Life can sometimes feel like nothing.
人生は時々無のように感じることがあります。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in philosophical or abstract contexts to describe emptiness or void.
Note: '無' is often used in contexts relating to philosophy, spirituality, or in artistic expressions.

無意味 (むいみ, muimi)

Example:
That was a meaningless argument.
あれは無意味な議論だった。
Don't waste your time on nothing.
無意味なことで時間を無駄にしないで。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to indicate something that lacks meaning or purpose.
Note: '無意味' is often used to criticize actions, statements, or situations that are perceived as pointless.

なんにも (nannimo)

Example:
I didn't do anything at all.
なんにもしていません。
You don't need to worry about anything.
なんにも心配する必要はありません。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in casual conversations to indicate the absence of anything.
Note: 'なんにも' is a more casual way to express 'nothing' and often used in everyday speech.

Nothing's synonyms

Nothing

The absence of anything; not anything.
Example: I have nothing to say.
Note:

Nil

Meaning zero or nothing; often used in formal contexts.
Example: The chances of success were nil.
Note: Formal synonym for nothing.

Zero

The numerical value 0; nothing at all.
Example: He scored zero points in the game.
Note: Specifically refers to the numerical value of zero.

Zilch

Slang term meaning nothing at all; absolutely nothing.
Example: I know zilch about cars.
Note: Informal and more emphatic synonym for nothing.

Nada

Informal term meaning nothing; often used in casual conversation.
Example: There's nada left in the fridge.
Note: Informal synonym for nothing.

Nothing expressions, common phrases

Nothing but

This phrase means only or just. It emphasizes the singular quality of something.
Example: She is nothing but trouble.
Note: The addition of 'but' changes the meaning to emphasize the singular nature of what follows.

Nothing to write home about

This idiom means not particularly exciting or impressive.
Example: The movie was okay, but nothing to write home about.
Note: The idiom conveys a sense of mediocrity or lack of standout qualities.

Nothing doing

This phrase means absolutely not or refusing to do something.
Example: I asked for a raise, but my boss said, 'Nothing doing.'
Note: It is a direct and firm way of rejecting a request or suggestion.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

This saying means you can't achieve anything if you don't take risks.
Example: I'm not sure if I should apply for that job. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Note: It conveys the idea that without trying new things or taking risks, you won't achieve anything.

Next to nothing

This phrase means almost nothing or very little.
Example: I paid next to nothing for this shirt at the thrift store.
Note: It emphasizes the extremely low value or cost of something.

Nothing but the best

This expression means only the very best or highest quality.
Example: She deserves nothing but the best in life.
Note: It emphasizes the exclusivity and superiority of the best option.

There's nothing to it

This phrase means something is very easy or simple to do.
Example: Learning to ride a bike is easy. There's nothing to it.
Note: It conveys a sense of simplicity and lack of difficulty in performing a task.

Nothing everyday (slang) expressions

Squat

Squat means nothing at all or absolutely nothing.
Example: I've been waiting for hours and got squat in return.
Note: Squat is often used in informal contexts to emphasize the lack of something.

Jack

Jack is slang for nothing, especially when emphasizing a lack or insufficiency.
Example: You're offering me jack, that's not enough for the job.
Note: Jack is more direct and slightly more informal than 'nothing'.

Zip

Zip means absolutely nothing or zero.
Example: After all that effort, I got zip in return.
Note: Zip carries a sense of disappointment or frustration about receiving nothing.

Bupkis

Bupkis, from Yiddish, is used to mean absolutely nothing or a total failure.
Example: I worked hard, but all I got was bupkis.
Note: Bupkis is more colorful and expressive than 'nothing', conveying a stronger sense of disappointment.

Sod all

Sod all is British slang for absolutely nothing or very little, especially in terms of payment.
Example: I did all the work, and they paid me sod all.
Note: Sod all is primarily used in British English and is more informal and direct than 'nothing'.

Nothing - Examples

I have nothing to say.
She felt nothing but sadness.
He has no interest in anything.

Nothing grammar

Nothing - Pronoun (Pronoun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: nothing
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): nothings
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): nothing
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Nothing Contains 2 syllables: noth • ing
Phonetic transcription: ˈnə-thiŋ
noth ing , ˈnə thiŋ (The red syllable is stressed)

Nothing - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Nothing: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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