無難

• Reading: ぶなん
• Romaji: bunan
• Kanji breakdown: 無 (bu/mu) — without, nothing; 難 (nan) — difficulty, trouble, disaster
• Pronunciation: /bɯ.naɴ/

Meaning

Safe; inoffensive; playing it safe. A choice or approach that avoids risk and is unlikely to cause problems.

A na-adjective and noun describing something that is acceptable without being outstanding: 無難な選択 (a safe choice), 無難にこなす (handle something competently without incident). Often implies a deliberate avoidance of risk — choosing the safe option rather than the bold one. Can carry a slightly dismissive nuance, suggesting something is adequate but uninspired.

Examples

1. 面接にはスーツが無難だろう。 A suit is probably the safe bet for a job interview.
2. 無難な答えばかりでは印象に残らない。 Only giving safe answers won't leave a lasting impression.
3. 初めてのお店では人気メニューを選ぶのが無難だ。 At a restaurant you've never tried, going with the popular items is the safe call.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, fashion, decision-making

Tone: pragmatic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 無 (bu, without) + 難 (nan, difficulty/trouble). Literally 'without difficulty' — free from problems or objections.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal