無作為

• Reading: むさくい
• Romaji: musakui
• Kanji breakdown: 無 (mu/bu) — without; 作 (saku/sa) — to make, create; 為 (i/tame) — action, doing
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.sa.kɯ.i/

Meaning

Random; without intention or deliberate planning. Most commonly used in academic and statistical contexts to mean random selection.

A noun and na-adjective used heavily in research, science, and journalism. 無作為抽出 (musakui chūshutsu) means 'random sampling,' a fundamental statistical concept. The base word 作為 (sakui) means 'deliberate action or intent,' so 無作為 is its direct negation — acting or selecting without design. Outside statistics, it can describe any unplanned, arbitrary occurrence.

Examples

1. 無作為に選ばれた100人を対象にアンケートを実施した。 A survey was conducted with 100 randomly selected participants.
2. 無作為抽出による調査は統計的信頼性が高い。 Surveys based on random sampling have high statistical reliability.
3. 彼の発言は無作為に見えたが、実は巧みに計算されていた。 His remarks appeared random, but were actually shrewdly calculated.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, research, academic writing, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 無 (mu, 'without') and 作為 (sakui, 'deliberate action, intent'). Together they express acting or selecting without intention or design.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated