Translation guide
The concept of indiscretion covers a range of behaviors from minor lapses in judgment to serious breaches of trust. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
His indiscreet remark caused a problem.
Literally 'the mouth slips', this idiom is used when someone accidentally says something they shouldn't have.
I accidentally let the secret slip out.
A gaffe or verbal slip, often used in formal or political contexts.
The minister's gaffe made the news.
Acting without good judgment, especially in social situations, often involving inappropriate actions or decisions.
A direct translation for 'indiscreet behavior', covering a wide range of thoughtless actions.
Her indiscreet behavior caused a misunderstanding.
Implies a lack of prudence or decorum, often used when someone acts inappropriately given the circumstances.
Means 'indiscretion' in the sense of lacking discernment or good judgment. Somewhat literary.
Disclosing confidential information, often unintentionally or carelessly.
Literally 'to leak a secret', this is the most straightforward way to express revealing confidential information.
He carelessly let the secret out.
Describes a person who cannot keep secrets; literally 'light-mouthed'.
Means 'disclosure' or 'exposure', often used for revealing scandals or secrets, sometimes intentionally.
A small, often forgivable, mistake or transgression, especially in personal conduct.
A general term for a mistake or error in judgment, often with moral overtones. Suitable for personal indiscretions.
I regret the indiscretions of my youth.
Refers to a blunder or misconduct, often implying negligence or a lapse in proper behavior.
Means 'misconduct' or 'immorality', often used for sexual indiscretions or scandalous behavior.
軽率 (keisotsu) emphasizes carelessness or thoughtlessness, while 不謹慎 (fukinshin) implies a lack of propriety or respect for the situation. Use 軽率 for general indiscretions and 不謹慎 when the behavior is offensive due to context (e.g., joking at a solemn event).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'indiscretion'. Avoid using 無分別 (mufunbetsu) in casual conversation; it sounds stiff. Instead, choose a phrase based on the specific meaning you want to convey.
His indiscretion cost him his job.
Uses 軽率な行動 for a general indiscretion.
She regretted her youthful indiscretions.
過ち is natural for personal moral lapses.
It's indiscreet to laugh at a funeral.
若気の至りで無分別なことをした。
I did something indiscreet out of youthful folly.
He's indiscreet, so you shouldn't tell him anything important.
彼の不倫が暴露された。
His affair was exposed (due to someone's indiscretion).
彼の不始末が会社の信用を傷つけた。
His indiscretion damaged the company's reputation.
He was fired for indiscretion (immoral conduct).