有無

• Reading: うむ
• Romaji: umu
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (u/yū) — to have, existence; 無 (mu) — nothing, non-existence
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

Presence or absence; yes or no; existence or non-existence.

A formal noun combining 有 (existence) and 無 (non-existence). Primarily used in written or formal contexts to ask about the existence of something: 有無を確認する (to confirm presence or absence). Also appears in the set phrase 有無を言わさず (without allowing objection).

Examples

1. アレルギーの有無を確認してください。 Please check whether you have any allergies.
2. 参加の有無を来週までに知らせてほしい。 I'd like you to let me know by next week whether or not you'll be attending.
3. 経験の有無は問いません。 Experience is not required.

Usage Guide

Context: forms, official documents, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A Sino-Japanese compound from 有 (yū, existence) and 無 (mu, non-existence). These two kanji represent the fundamental philosophical opposition of being and nothingness in East Asian thought.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal