Translation guide
Describes a casual, disrespectful attitude, often in serious situations. Japanese has no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean lighthearted, rude, or inappropriately casual.
To describe someone who makes jokes or acts casual when they should be respectful or solemn.
Literally 'not serious'. Commonly used to describe a flippant attitude or person, especially in contexts like work or school.
彼の不真面目な態度に腹が立った。
I was annoyed by his flippant attitude.
Means 'frivolous' or 'thoughtless'. Often used for flippant remarks or behavior that lacks proper consideration.
軽々しい発言は控えてください。
Please refrain from flippant remarks.
Means 'shallow' or 'frivolous'. Often used for a flippant personality or superficial attitude.
彼は軽薄な人間だ。
He is a flippant person.
Colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned. Describes an irresponsible, flippant person who doesn't take things seriously.
あいつはちゃらんぽらんで困る。
That guy is so flippant, it's a problem.
To describe speech or behavior that treats a serious topic with inappropriate humor or casualness, often offending others.
From the verb ふざける (to joke around). Used attributively to mean 'flippant' or 'messing around' in a negative sense.
ふざけたことを言うな。
Don't say flippant things.
Means 'flippant talk' or 'jesting'. Often used in the phrase 軽口を叩く (to make flippant remarks).
彼はいつも軽口を叩いている。
He is always making flippant remarks.
Casual noun meaning 'joking around' or 'flippant behavior'. Often used for someone who constantly makes light of things.
彼のおちゃらけにはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his flippant behavior.
To describe a remark or manner that is informal and light, sometimes inappropriately so, but not strongly disrespectful.
Means 'light' and can describe a flippant tone when used with words like 口調 (tone) or 発言 (remark).
彼の軽い口調が気になった。
His flippant tone bothered me.
Means 'light-hearted' or 'without much thought'. Can be used for a flippant attitude that is not necessarily rude, just casual.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'flippant'. Using a dictionary gloss like 不真面目 or 軽薄 without context may sound unnatural. Choose based on the specific nuance: disrespectful joking, lack of seriousness, or casual tone.
不真面目 focuses on lack of seriousness, often in duty-bound contexts. 軽薄 implies shallowness and frivolity, more about personality. For a flippant remark, 軽口 or ふざけた are better.
It was a flippant remark, but it caused a misunderstanding.