脈なし

• Reading: みゃくなし
• Romaji: myaku nashi
• Kanji breakdown: 脈 (pulse/vein) + なし (none) → no pulse, i.e. no signs of romantic interest
• Pronunciation: /mja.ku na.ɕi/

Meaning

Having no chance with someone romantically; no signs of interest or attraction from the other person.

The opposite of 脈あり, 脈なし means there is no 'pulse' — the other person shows no romantic interest. Signs include short replies, not initiating conversation, avoiding one-on-one meetings, and generally treating you the same as anyone else. It's commonly used when friends discuss their love lives and analyze the other person's behavior.

Examples

1. 既読スルーが続くなら、それ脈なしだよ。 If they keep leaving you on read, that means they're not interested.
2. 二人きりになるのを避けられてる気がする。脈なしかな。 I feel like they're avoiding being alone with me. I don't think they're into me.
3. 脈なしだってわかってても、なかなか諦められない。 Even though I know they're not interested, I still can't give up.

Usage Guide

Context: friends, dating advice, social media

Tone: resigned, analytical

Do Say

• 完全に脈なしだわ、諦めよう。 (They're definitely not interested, I should give up.)
• 脈なしの人を追いかけても時間の無駄だよ。 (It's a waste of time chasing someone who's not interested.)

Don't Say

• 好きな人に「脈なしですか」と聞くのはNG (Asking someone directly 'Am I getting no signs from you?' is awkward and ruins any chance you might have had)

Common Mistakes

• Assuming politeness means 脈あり — Japanese people are often kind and attentive out of social courtesy, not romantic interest

Origin & History

From 脈 (pulse) + なし (none/without). The counterpart of 脈あり — no pulse means no signs of romantic life. Became common through dating advice media in the 2000s.

Cultural Context

Era: 2000s dating advice culture

Generation: All ages, especially active daters

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. A staple of dating advice content.