なしに

• Reading: なしに
• Romaji: nashi ni
• Formation: Noun + なしに / Verb dictionary form + ことなしに

Meaning

An adverbial phrase meaning 'without (doing) something,' indicating that an action proceeds in the absence of a condition or action. It can follow both nouns and verb dictionary forms.

なしに expresses that something is done or happens without a particular prerequisite, preparation, or accompanying action. When following a noun, it means 'without [noun]': 許可なしに (without permission). When following a verb (via ことなしに), it means 'without doing': 確認することなしに (without confirming). Compared to ～ないで, なしに places stronger emphasis on the notable absence of something expected. It is slightly more formal than ～なしで, which is more colloquial. The pattern often carries an implicit criticism or surprise that the expected action was omitted. In formal writing, なしには is used to mean 'without X, one cannot.'

Examples

1. 事前の連絡なしに訪問するのは失礼にあたる。 Visiting without prior notice is considered rude.
2. 上司の承認なしに予算を執行することはできない。 One cannot execute the budget without the supervisor's approval.
3. 周囲の協力なしに、この計画を実現するのは不可能だ。 It is impossible to realise this plan without the cooperation of those around us.

Usage Guide

Context: written, spoken, business

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 根拠なしに他人を批判するのは公正ではない。
• 本人の同意なしに個人情報を公開してはならない。
• 代替案を提示することなしに反対するのは建設的ではない。

Don't Say

• 朝ごはんなしにが学校に行った。(Adding が after なしに — なしに directly modifies the verb) → 朝ごはんなしに学校に行った。
• なしに許可で入った。(Reversed word order — the noun must precede なしに) → 許可なしに入った。

Origin & History

なし is the classical adjective 無し (without, lacking), attested from the earliest Japanese texts. The particle に turns it into an adverbial modifier. The modern grammatical pattern なしに solidified during the Meiji period as written Japanese modernised.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal