Meaning and Usage
The adjective 軽率 (けいそつ) describes actions or remarks that are thoughtless, careless, or done hastily without sufficient consideration. It often carries a negative nuance, implying a lack of prudence or seriousness.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as business, education, or social situations where careful judgment is expected. For example, making a "軽率な発言" (thoughtless remark) or "軽率な行動" (careless action) suggests irresponsibility.
Collocations and Patterns
- 軽率な発言: thoughtless remark, often causing offense or misunderstanding.
- 軽率に判断する: to make a hasty judgment, implying insufficient thought.
- 軽率にも: an adverbial phrase meaning "carelessly" or "thoughtlessly," emphasizing the speaker's criticism.
Usage Tips
When using 軽率, the speaker usually criticizes someone’s lack of careful thought or warns against acting without proper consideration. It is not used for minor mistakes but for significant lapses in judgment. Avoid confusing 軽率 with similar words like 不注意 (carelessness) which can be more about negligence rather than poor judgment.
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This word is formal and often appears in written language, news reports, or serious conversations rather than casual speech.