Furi describes a state where conditions are not in your favor.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when a situation is not in your favor.
- Commonly used in sports, business, and legal contexts.
- Indicates a disadvantageous position compared to others.
概要
「不利（ふり）」は、「利（利益・有利）」がない状態を指す名詞的形容動詞です。自分にとって状況が厳しかったり、相手と比べて条件が悪かったりする場合に使われます。2) 使用パターン: 「〜が不利だ」「不利な立場」「不利な条件」のように、名詞を修飾したり、述語として使ったりします。3) 一般的な文脈: ビジネスでの交渉、スポーツの試合、法的な争い、あるいは天候や環境など、客観的な条件が自分に味方しない時に頻繁に登場します。4) 類語との比較: 「不都合」は「都合が悪い」というニュアンスが強く、「不利」は「負けやすい」「損をする」という勝敗や利益の対比が強い言葉です。
Examples
この条件では私たちが不利だ。
everydayUnder these conditions, we are at a disadvantage.
不利な状況を覆す。
formalTo overcome a disadvantageous situation.
ちょっと不利だよね。
informalIt's a bit disadvantageous, isn't it?
統計的に不利な結果が出た。
academicStatistically disadvantageous results were obtained.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
形勢が不利になる
The situation turns against one.
不利な証言
Damaging testimony.
Often Confused With
Fuben refers to physical inconvenience or lack of accessibility. Furi refers to a strategic or comparative disadvantage.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Furi is a neutral word used in both formal and informal settings. It is often used to describe strategic positions in games or business negotiations. Always pair it with 'ni naru' (to become) or 'da' (is) to form a complete predicate.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'furi' to describe things that are just 'difficult' or 'inconvenient'. Remember that 'furi' implies a comparison with someone or something else. It is not just about difficulty, but about being on the losing side of a comparison.
Tips
Think of it as 'no profit'
Remember that 'ri' (利) means profit or benefit. Adding 'fu' (不) negates it, making it 'no benefit' or disadvantageous.
Don't confuse with inconvenient
Avoid using 'furi' for physical inconveniences like broken items. Use 'fuben' for that instead.
Contextual usage in Japanese society
Japanese culture values harmony, so explicitly mentioning you are at a disadvantage can sometimes be seen as an indirect request for help.
Word Origin
The word is composed of 'fu' (negative prefix) and 'ri' (profit/benefit). It literally means 'lacking benefit'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese business culture, identifying a situation as 'furi' is a standard way to signal that a deal or plan needs adjustment. It is a polite way to suggest that the current path is not sustainable.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Free-less' situation. When you are 'Free-less' (Furi), you have no freedom of movement because you are at a disadvantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「不利」は勝敗や利益に関わる比較で使われますが、「不便」は単に使いにくい、生活しにくいという状況に使われます。例えば、場所が遠いことは「不便」ですが、交渉で条件が悪いことは「不利」です。
反対語は「有利（ゆうり）」です。物事が自分にとって好都合であることを指します。
競争相手や交渉相手と比べて、自分の方が負けやすい、または損をしやすい状況にいることを指します。
いいえ、「不利」は名詞または形容動詞（不利だ）として使います。動詞化する場合は「不利になる」という形をとります。
Test Yourself
雨の中での試合は、私たちにとって___。
雨は競技において条件を悪くするため「不利」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Furi describes a state where conditions are not in your favor.
- Used when a situation is not in your favor.
- Commonly used in sports, business, and legal contexts.
- Indicates a disadvantageous position compared to others.
Think of it as 'no profit'
Remember that 'ri' (利) means profit or benefit. Adding 'fu' (不) negates it, making it 'no benefit' or disadvantageous.
Don't confuse with inconvenient
Avoid using 'furi' for physical inconveniences like broken items. Use 'fuben' for that instead.
Contextual usage in Japanese society
Japanese culture values harmony, so explicitly mentioning you are at a disadvantage can sometimes be seen as an indirect request for help.
Examples
4 of 4この条件では私たちが不利だ。
Under these conditions, we are at a disadvantage.
不利な状況を覆す。
To overcome a disadvantageous situation.
ちょっと不利だよね。
It's a bit disadvantageous, isn't it?
統計的に不利な結果が出た。
Statistically disadvantageous results were obtained.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
