nansensu

Nansensu (ナンセンス) is a Japanese loanword derived from the English word nonsense. In modern Japanese it is used as both a noun and a na-adjective, referring to something that is absurd, meaningless, or nonsensical. The term is common in everyday speech as a neutral to playful expression.

As a noun, nansensu can describe a statement, idea, or situation that lacks sense: それはナンセンスだ (That is nonsense). As an adjective, the form ナンセンスな is attached to nouns to describe qualities or things as nonsensical: ナンセンスな話 (a nonsensical story). The word can also function as an interjection, such as ナンセンス！, conveying disbelief or lighthearted mockery.

Etymologically, nansensu is a direct borrowing of the English nonsense, adapting to Japanese phonology as nan-sen-su. It likely entered modern Japanese through translations, media, and popular culture in the 20th century. Because it is a loanword from English, it is widely understood, but it remains informal and is less appropriate in formal or technical writing.

Nuance and usage vary by context. In casual conversation, nansensu often carries a playful or ironic tone rather than harsh criticism. In media and advertising, it can emphasize lighthearted absurdity. It is less suited for precise or technical descriptions, where alternatives like "futsu no imi" (meaningless) or "hibiki no nai" (lacking meaning) might be used.

See also: loanwords in Japanese, wasei-eigo, Japanese pop culture vocabulary.