無限
mugen[mɯ̟ɡẽ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word for infinity is 無限 (mugen).
無限 refers to the concept of endlessness, unlimitedness or the absence of an end or limit. In mathematical contexts, such as when discussing a limit approaching infinity, the term 無限大 is used instead.
Meaning: endlessness, unlimitedness, absence of end or limit (noun)
Which one should you use?
無限 is the general term for infinity, while 無限大 is the specific term used to denote the mathematical concept of infinity.
How do you pronounce it?
mugen
Did you know?
- The word 無限 was adopted into Japanese in the late 19th century specifically to translate the English word 'infinite' into a philosophical context.
- The first character 無 does not just mean 'not', but carries the heavy ontological weight of 'nonexistence' or 'nothingness' in Buddhist philosophy.
- Japanese speakers often use the word 果てしない (hateshinai) to describe an infinite landscape or an endless journey, which feels more poetic than the technical 無限.
Examples in context
- 数学の世界には無限の数が存在します。In the world of mathematics, infinite numbers exist.
- あの海はとても大きい！まるで無限みたいだ。That sea is so vast! It feels like infinity.
- 無限の可能性を感じる。mugen no kanousei o kanjiru.I feel infinite possibilities.
- 宇宙は無限に広い。uchuu wa mugen ni hiroi.The universe is infinitely wide.
- その計算には無限の時間がかかる。sono keisan ni wa mugen no jikan ga kakaru.That calculation takes an infinite amount of time.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a starry night sky.
- 美咲 Misaki星空は無限に広がっているね。hoshizora wa mugen ni hirogatte iru ne.The starry sky expands infinitely, doesn't it?
- 健太 Kenta本当に、無限の広がりを感じるよ。hontou ni, mugen no hirogari o kanjiru yo.Really, I feel an infinite expansion.
- 美咲 Misaki健太は宇宙が好き？kenta wa uchuu ga suki?Kenta, do you like space?
- 健太 Kentaうん、とても惹かれるんだ。un, totemo hikareru nda.Yeah, I am very drawn to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “infinity” translations and entries 無限, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 無限, CC BY-SA 4.0.
