Translation guide
The English word "reckless" describes acting without thinking about the dangers or consequences. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this, ranging from common adjectives to more specific terms for rash behavior, negligence, or wild driving.
Describing someone who acts without considering risks or consequences, often in a general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'reckless'. It implies a lack of planning or consideration of danger. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼の無謀な運転は事故を引き起こした。
His reckless driving caused an accident.
無謀な挑戦だった。
It was a reckless challenge.
Literally 'not seeing the other side'. Describes a person who acts rashly without thinking about consequences. Often used for personality traits.
彼は向こう見ずな若者だ。
He is a reckless young man.
Means 'rash' or 'thoughtless'. Emphasizes lack of careful consideration. Often used for decisions or remarks.
軽率な発言で彼を怒らせた。
I angered him with my reckless remark.
A somewhat old-fashioned term for reckless, foolhardy behavior. Conveys a sense of wild, uncontrolled action.
無鉄砲な行動はやめなさい。
Stop your reckless behavior.
Specifically referring to dangerous or wild driving.
Literally 'running wild'. Commonly used for reckless driving, often associated with street racing or going out of control.
暴走運転で逮捕された。
He was arrested for reckless driving.
バイクが暴走していた。
The motorcycle was driving recklessly.
A compound meaning 'reckless driving'. More formal and direct than 暴走.
無謀運転は厳しく罰せられる。
Reckless driving is severely punished.
Describing a failure to take proper care, often in legal or formal contexts.
Means 'negligence' or 'fault'. Used in legal contexts for reckless or careless actions that cause harm.
彼の過失で事故が起きた。
The accident happened due to his recklessness.
Means 'carelessness' or 'inattention'. Less severe than 過失, but still implies a lack of proper care.
Describing someone who takes unnecessary risks, often with a sense of bravado.
Literally 'not knowing life', meaning fearless or reckless with one's life. Often used for daredevils.
彼は命知らずの冒険家だ。
He is a reckless adventurer.
Means 'absurd' or 'unreasonable', but often used for reckless actions. Colloquial.
無茶な計画だ。
It's a reckless plan.
無謀 is the most versatile and common word for 'reckless'. It can describe actions, plans, or people. 向こう見ず is more specifically about a person's character, implying they never think ahead. Use 無謀 for most situations, and 向こう見ず when describing a rash personality.
The English word 'reckless' is sometimes translated literally as 無謀, but in some contexts, other words like 軽率 (rash) or 不注意 (careless) are more natural. Pay attention to whether the recklessness is about danger (無謀) or just thoughtlessness (軽率).
I failed due to a reckless mistake.