申し分ない

• Reading: もうしぶんない
• Romaji: moushibun nai
• Kanji breakdown: 申 (mou) — say, state (humble); 分 (bun) — portion, reason
• Pronunciation: /moː.ɕi.bɯɴ.nai/

Meaning

Perfect; flawless; completely satisfactory. Leaving absolutely nothing to complain about.

An i-adjective expression meaning there is nothing to criticise. Literally 'nothing to say/add' — so good that no complaint or suggestion is possible. Used as high praise in evaluations: 申し分ない出来 (flawless work), 申し分ない成績 (impeccable results). Formal in tone and often used in written assessments.

Examples

1. 新しいレストランは味もサービスも申し分なかった。 The new restaurant was flawless in both food and service.
2. 彼の語学力は申し分ないが、実務経験が足りない。 His language skills are impeccable, but he lacks practical experience.
3. 天気も景色も申し分ない旅行だった。 It was a trip where both the weather and the scenery were perfect.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluations, reviews, praise

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From 申す (mousu, humble form of 'to say') + 分 (bun, portion/reason) + ない (nai, not exist). Literally 'there exists no portion worth mentioning' — nothing to add or object to.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated