Translation guide
The concept of acting hastily without careful thought, often leading to negative consequences. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that emphasize thoughtlessness, impulsiveness, or recklessness.
Describing a person or action that is hasty and lacking in careful consideration.
A common noun/adjectival noun meaning 'rashness' or 'thoughtlessness'. It implies a lack of prudence and can be used to describe both people and actions.
彼の軽率な発言が問題を引き起こした。
His rash remark caused a problem.
軽率な行動は避けるべきだ。
You should avoid rash actions.
Means 'recklessness' or 'foolhardiness', often with a stronger nuance of disregarding danger or consequences. Used for actions that are not just hasty but also dangerous.
無謀な運転は事故のもとだ。
Reckless driving is a cause of accidents.
Refers to a hasty conclusion or decision made without sufficient thought. Often used in the phrase '早計に過ぎる' (to be too hasty).
そう判断するのは早計だ。
It is rash to judge that way.
An adjective/noun describing a person who is impatient and tends to act hastily. It focuses on the personality trait rather than a single action.
彼はせっかちで、よく失敗する。
He is rash and often makes mistakes.
A somewhat formal or literary term for 'imprudence' or 'rashness', emphasizing a lack of foresight. Often used in written language.
短慮な計画は失敗に終わった。
The rash plan ended in failure.
Focusing on the lack of forethought or impulsive nature of an action.
A common adverbial phrase meaning 'without thinking of the consequences' or 'rashly'. It literally means 'without considering before and after'.
後先考えずに行動してしまった。
I acted rashly without thinking.
A noun/adjectival noun meaning 'recklessness' or 'foolhardiness', with a nuance of charging ahead blindly. It describes a person who doesn't look ahead.
彼の向こう見ずな挑戦には驚かされる。
I'm amazed at his rash challenges.
Means 'without thinking' or 'thoughtlessly'. It can be used to describe rash actions done on impulse.
考えなしに返事をしてしまった。
I answered rashly without thinking.
Specifically referring to saying something without thinking, often leading to trouble.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to have a loose tongue' or 'to be indiscreet'. It describes a person who rashly says things they shouldn't.
彼は口が軽いから、秘密を話さないほうがいい。
He is rash with his words, so you'd better not tell him secrets.
Means 'to say something lightly/rashly'. It implies a lack of seriousness or consideration in speech.
そんなことを軽々しく言うべきではない。
You shouldn't say such a thing rashly.
Common sayings that warn against hasty actions.
A proverb meaning 'haste makes waste' or 'rashness leads to loss'. It warns that impatience and quick temper result in disadvantage.
短気は損気というから、もう少し待とう。
They say rashness leads to loss, so let's wait a little longer.
A proverb meaning 'more haste, less speed' or 'make haste slowly'. It advises taking the safer, longer route rather than rushing rashly.
急がば回れで、慎重に計画を進めよう。
Let's proceed carefully with the plan, as more haste, less speed.
While 軽率 is a direct equivalent, Japanese often expresses the concept through adverbial phrases or specific adjectives depending on context. Using a noun like 'rashness' as a subject can sound unnatural; instead, describe the action or person.
軽率 implies a lack of careful thought, often in everyday situations. 無謀 suggests a more dangerous disregard for consequences, like reckless driving or a foolhardy challenge. Choose based on the severity of the action.