不条理

• Reading: ふじょうり
• Romaji: fujori
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — negation; 条 (jou) — article, clause; 理 (ri/kotowari) — reason, principle
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.dʑo.ː.ɾi/

Meaning

Absurdity; irrationality; unreasonableness. A situation or state of affairs that defies logic, justice, or rational explanation.

A noun used in both philosophical and everyday contexts. In philosophy, it closely corresponds to the existentialist concept of 'the absurd' — the conflict between human desire for meaning and the universe's indifference. In everyday use, it describes something simply unfair or nonsensical. 不条理な状況 (absurd situation) and 不条理に耐える (to endure absurdity) are common phrasings.

Examples

1. 戦争の不条理さを描いたその小説は、世代を超えて読まれ続けている。 The novel depicting the absurdity of war continues to be read across generations.
2. 努力が報われないことへの不条理さに、彼は深い虚無感を覚えた。 He felt a deep sense of nihilism at the absurdity of effort going unrewarded.
3. 不条理な規則に縛られながらも、社員たちは黙々と仕事を続けた。 Bound by absurd rules, the employees continued their work in silence.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, literature, work, social criticism, existentialism

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 不 (fu, not/un-) + 条 (jou, article/clause/logic) + 理 (ri, reason/principle). Literally 'against the principles of logic/order.' The concept was further enriched in Japanese intellectual discourse through translations of Camus and Kafka in the 20th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated