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には無理がある
N1 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today
ni wa muri ga aru
difficult to do; is unreasonable
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🃏 Flashcard
には無理がある
ni wa muri ga aru
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difficult to do; is unreasonable
N1
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading ni wa muri ga aru
Post ID 51320
Patterns today 0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes

difficult to do; is unreasonable

📖 How to use it

Expresses that something is unreasonable, forced, or difficult to justify.

Attaches to Attach to the plain present affirmative form of a verb (dictionary form), or to a noun followed by という (e.g., 彼の説明には無理がある).

This pattern is used to say that an argument, explanation, or claim is unreasonable, has holes in it, or is a stretch. It implies that the logic doesn't quite hold up or that the claim is too far-fetched to be accepted. The subject is often a statement or theory, not a person.

It carries a critical tone, so it's often used when pointing out flaws in someone's reasoning. It can also be used about a plan or action that is unrealistic. In speech, it tends to appear in more formal or intellectual contexts, like discussions or essays.

彼の言い分には無理がある。
Kare no iibun ni wa muri ga aru.
His argument doesn't hold water.
この計画には無理があると思う。
Kono keikaku ni wa muri ga aru to omou.
I think this plan is unreasonable.
彼女が犯人だという説には無理がある。
Kanojo ga han'nin da to iu setsu ni wa muri ga aru.
The theory that she's the culprit is a stretch.
Not 無理がある vs. 無理だ 無理だ means 'impossible' or 'too difficult' for a person to do. 無理がある is used about an idea or explanation, meaning it's unreasonable or forced.
Register Neutral to formal; common in written Japanese and intellectual discussion, but less in casual conversation.
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には無理がある
📚 How to Master This Pattern
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Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat には無理がある three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
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Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using には無理がある. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
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Spaced Review
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern には無理がある mean? ▼
Difficult to do; is unreasonable
What JLPT level is には無理がある? ▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use には無理がある in a sentence? ▼
Attach には無理がある (ni wa muri ga aru) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is には無理がある formal or casual Japanese? ▼
には無理がある is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember には無理がある long-term? ▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.