Translation guide
This concept covers speaking impulsively, without prior thought, often leading to unintended consequences. Japanese has several expressions that capture different nuances, from casual blurting out to formal warnings against careless speech.
To say something suddenly without considering the consequences, often revealing true feelings or causing trouble.
Literally 'the mouth slips'. Used when you accidentally say something you shouldn't have, like a secret or an insensitive remark.
つい口が滑って、彼の秘密を話してしまった。
I accidentally let his secret slip out.
Means something just comes out of your mouth without thinking. Often used for honest reactions or complaints.
驚いて、つい口に出てしまった。
I was so surprised, it just slipped out.
A 'slip of the tongue' or verbal gaffe, often used in formal or public contexts. Can be a noun or used with する.
大臣の失言が問題になった。
The minister's gaffe became a problem.
Describes a person who has a 'light mouth' and tends to blurt things out or can't keep secrets. Not an action but a character trait.
彼は口が軽いから、秘密は話さない方がいい。
He has a loose tongue, so you'd better not tell him secrets.
To speak without thinking about the impact on others, often causing offense or misunderstanding.
Directly means 'to speak without thinking'. A straightforward way to describe the action.
彼はいつも考えなしに話して、人を怒らせる。
He always speaks without thinking and makes people angry.
To say something lightly or thoughtlessly, often about serious matters. Implies a lack of proper consideration.
人の夢を軽々しく批判するな。
Don't thoughtlessly criticize other people's dreams.
To say something insensitive or tactless. Focuses on the hurtful nature of the remark.
彼女に無神経なことを言ってしまった。
I said something insensitive to her.
To say whatever comes to mind, often bluntly or honestly, without holding back.
Literally 'to say what you think just as it is'. Describes a person who is direct and unfiltered, which can be positive or negative depending on context.
彼女は思ったことをそのまま言うタイプだ。
She's the type who says exactly what she thinks.
An idiom meaning 'to not put clothes on one's teeth', i.e., to speak bluntly without softening words. Often used positively for frankness.
彼は歯に衣着せずに意見を言う。
He gives his opinion without mincing words.
To say things bluntly or rudely, often without regard for others' feelings. Has a negative connotation.
ずけずけ言う人だけど、悪気はないんだ。
He's a blunt person, but he doesn't mean any harm.
To speak too quickly without waiting for full information or proper timing.
To jump to conclusions and say something based on a misunderstanding. '早とちり' means a hasty misjudgment.
早とちりして、間違ったことを言ってしまった。
I jumped to conclusions and said the wrong thing.
To speak prematurely, getting ahead of the situation. Often used when someone announces something before it's confirmed.
先走って結果を言わないでください。
Please don't jump the gun and announce the results.
Avoid literal translations like '考えずに話す' (kangaezu ni hanasu) as a standalone phrase; while grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural. Use the idiomatic expressions above for more natural Japanese.
口が滑る (kuchi ga suberu) is a casual, everyday expression for an accidental slip. 失言 (shitsugen) is a formal noun often used in news or official contexts for a serious gaffe. Use 口が滑る for personal mistakes and 失言 for public or professional errors.