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Questions & Answers about asita ha muri desu.
What does the particle は do in 明日は無理です?
は marks the topic: “As for tomorrow…”. It frames the conversation around tomorrow, with the implied subject (often “I/we”) understood from context. So it means “As for tomorrow, it’s not feasible.”
Where is the subject “I/we” in this sentence?
It’s omitted, which is normal in Japanese when context makes it obvious. 明日は無理です is understood as “As for tomorrow, (I/we) can’t do it.”
Why is the particle は pronounced wa here?
When は is the topic particle, it’s pronounced wa (historical spelling). When it’s part of a word like はな (hana), it’s pronounced ha. In 明日は, it’s the particle, so say ashita wa.
Should I use に with 明日? Why not 明日に無理です?
Time expressions often appear without に when they’re adverbial or topicalized. 明日に無理です is ungrammatical. Use:
- 明日は無理です (As for tomorrow, impossible)
- For “by tomorrow,” use 明日には無理です (not possible by tomorrow)
- To move something to tomorrow: 明日にします / 明日に延ばしましょう
What part of speech is 無理?
It’s both a noun and a na-adjective. As a predicate: 無理だ／無理です. To modify a noun: 無理なお願い (“an unreasonable request”). As a noun in set phrases: 無理をする (“overdo it”).
Why is です at the end? Could I use だ or nothing?
です is the polite copula. Casual forms:
- 明日は無理だ (plain)
- 明日は無理 (very casual/clipped; common in speech/text) Use です for neutral politeness.
Is saying 明日は無理です too strong or rude?
It’s fine in many situations, but it can sound blunt in formal/business settings. Soften it with:
- すみませんが、明日はちょっと難しいです。
- 明日は都合がつきません。
- 明日は厳しいです。 Adding an apology (申し訳ありませんが…) helps.
What does 無理です really imply?
It signals infeasibility or impracticality under the circumstances—often scheduling. It’s like “Tomorrow won’t work (for me),” not “tomorrow is physically impossible.”
Can I say 明日はできません instead? What’s the difference?
Yes. できません focuses on (in)ability to do a specific task or attend. 無理です focuses on feasibility or circumstances. In scheduling, both work; 無理です sounds more like “won’t work,” できません like “can’t do it.”
How about ダメ? Is 明日はダメです natural?
Yes, very common. It means “Tomorrow is no good.” It’s slightly more casual/softer than 無理. In formal contexts, prefer 難しいです or 都合が悪いです.
What’s the difference between 明日は無理です and 明日が無理です?
- 明日は無理です: neutral topic statement (“As for tomorrow, impossible”).
- 明日が無理です: puts focus on “tomorrow” as the specific one that won’t work, often contrasting with other options (e.g., “Today is fine; it’s tomorrow that’s impossible”).
How do I ask “Does tomorrow work?” naturally?
Use a neutral/positive question:
- 明日は大丈夫ですか。
- 明日はご都合はいかがですか。 (more polite) Avoid 無理ですか unless you want a negative-leading question.
How do you read 明日 here?
- あした (ashita): everyday conversation (best fit here)
- あす (asu): formal/news style
- みょうにち (myōnichi): very formal or set phrases; not for casual talk
Are spaces between words normal in Japanese writing?
No. They’re added for learners. Standard writing would be 明日は無理です。 (with a Japanese period 。).
Can parts be omitted in casual speech or texting?
Yes. Common clips:
- 明日、無理。
- Just 無理。 if context is clear Katakana (ムリ) is used for casual emphasis online/texts.
How do I say it’s not impossible, or that tomorrow is okay?
- Not impossible (polite): 明日は無理ではありません。
- Not impossible (casual): 明日は無理じゃない。 More natural positive phrasing: 明日は大丈夫です／可能です。
What does 明日には無理です mean?
“It’s not possible by tomorrow,” often about deadlines. には adds emphasis/contrast (“by/toward tomorrow”).
Any pronunciation tips for the sentence?
- 明日 as あした: a-shi-ta
- は (topic) = wa
- 無理: mu-ri (no long vowels)
- です: the u is typically devoiced; it sounds like “des.”