Translation guide
The English word 'indiscreet' describes behavior that is not careful about what you say or do, especially in social situations, often leading to embarrassment or trouble. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, you express the idea through words meaning 'careless,' 'thoughtless,' 'loose-tongued,' or by describing the specific action.
Describing someone who acts or speaks without thinking about the consequences, often revealing secrets or causing embarrassment.
A common adjective meaning 'rash,' 'thoughtless,' or 'indiscreet.' It can describe both actions and people. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼の軽率な発言が問題を引き起こした。
His indiscreet remark caused a problem.
軽率な行動は避けるべきだ。
You should avoid indiscreet behavior.
Means 'careless' or 'unprepared,' often used for indiscreet remarks made without thinking. Slightly more about lack of caution.
不用意な一言で彼女を傷つけてしまった。
I hurt her with an indiscreet remark.
A casual adjective meaning 'careless' or 'thoughtless.' Often used when you accidentally let something slip or overlook something obvious.
うかつにも秘密を話してしまった。
I was indiscreet and ended up telling the secret.
Literally 'without discretion,' meaning 'indiscreet' or 'imprudent.' More formal and less common in daily speech.
彼の無分別な行動は会社の信用を失わせた。
His indiscreet actions cost the company its reputation.
Describing a person who talks too freely and reveals private information.
A common idiomatic phrase meaning 'to have a loose tongue' or 'to be indiscreet.' It describes someone who easily spills secrets.
彼は口が軽いから、秘密は話さないほうがいい。
He's indiscreet, so you'd better not tell him secrets.
Means 'chatty' or 'talkative,' but can imply indiscretion when someone chatters carelessly. Often used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼女はおしゃべりだから、注意したほうがいい。
She's indiscreet (a chatterbox), so be careful.
Literally 'to leak a secret.' This is the action of being indiscreet with confidential information.
彼はうっかり秘密を漏らしてしまった。
He carelessly let the secret slip (was indiscreet).
Describing behavior that is not appropriate for the situation, often involving romance or public image.
Means 'indiscreet' in the sense of being improper, lacking prudence, or not showing due respect. Often used for behavior that is socially inappropriate.
葬式で笑うなんて不謹慎だ。
It's indiscreet to laugh at a funeral.
Means 'sloppy' or 'loose,' and can describe indiscreet behavior in relationships, like being unfaithful or careless with affections.
Literally 'lacking constancy/principles,' used for someone who is easily swayed or indiscreet in romantic or moral matters.
彼は節操がないから信用できない。
He's indiscreet (lacks principles), so I can't trust him.
軽率 (keisotsu) emphasizes a lack of careful thought, often with a negative outcome. 不用意 (fuyoui) focuses on being unprepared or not cautious enough. うかつ (ukatsu) is more casual and often used for personal oversights or slip-ups.
軽率な判断で失敗した。
I failed due to an indiscreet (rash) decision.
不用意な発言で誤解を招いた。
My indiscreet (careless) remark caused a misunderstanding.
うかつに承諾してしまった。
I indiscreetly (thoughtlessly) agreed.
There is no direct Japanese word that covers all uses of 'indiscreet.' Translating it as 無分別 (mufunbetsu) in casual conversation may sound overly stiff. Choose the option that best fits the specific nuance of carelessness, loose talk, or impropriety.
彼は女性関係にだらしない。
He is indiscreet in his relationships with women.