なし

なし (無し) is used to express the absence of something, meaning "without" or "no/none." It attaches to nouns to indicate that something is lacking or not present.

Noun + なし – "no ~" / "none"

When placed directly after a noun, なし states that something does not exist or is absent. This is common in concise or written expressions.

Noun + なしで – "without ~" (doing something)

The particle で can follow なし to indicate performing an action without something. This is one of the most common spoken patterns.

Noun + なしに – "without ~" (often unauthorized or unexpected)

The particle に can follow なし, often carrying a nuance of doing something without prior arrangement or permission.

Noun + なしの + Noun – modifying a noun

なし can modify another noun using の, functioning like a な-adjective.

Important notes

• なし is the opposite of あり (with/available). You may see pairs like ちゅうしゃじょう駐車場あり (parking available) vs. ちゅうしゃじょう駐車場なし (no parking).
• なし is frequently seen on forms, signs, and in written or semi-formal contexts (e.g. resumes, menus, notices).
• In casual speech, なしで is the most natural way to say "without."