Entry
うっかり
ukkari
Doing something by mistake or forgetting something due to a momentary lapse in concentration.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes a situation where someone makes a minor mistake or oversight because they weren't paying close attention at that specific moment. It is commonly used for things like forgetting an item, making a typo, or accidentally revealing a secret.
- A momentary lapse in focus leading to a mistake.
- Unintentional words or actions due to lack of awareness.
- Forgetting tasks or belongings accidentally.
Sense Map
Oversight and Forgetting
To forget an item or a task that one should have remembered.
うっかり傘を忘れる (To inadvertently forget an umbrella)
Slips and Verbal Blunders
To do or say something unintentionally due to lack of vigilance.
うっかり秘密を喋る (To accidentally let a secret slip)
Usage Note
How to Use
うっかりする
Used as a verb to describe the state of being careless or inattentive.
うっかり + verb
Functions as an adverb explaining that the action was performed carelessly or without thinking.
うっかりして + verb
A connective form showing that a state of inattention led to the subsequent action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
うっかり忘れる
To forget inadvertently
うっかり喋る
To let something slip (speech)
うっかりして
Being careless
うっかりしたミス
A careless mistake
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Work Environment | Negative/Apologetic | Implies that you know better but had a brief moment of poor focus. |
| Casual Conversation | Neutral | Often used to share funny personal stories about being clumsy or forgetful. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
うかうか うかうか / similar | When someone is wasting time or being inattentive over a longer period. | Ukkari is a split-second mistake; ukauka is a continuous state of idling or lack of vigilance. | うかうかしていると時間を忘れる (If you're daydreaming, you'll lose track of time) |
ぼんやり ぼんやり / similar | When the mind is blank or one is spaced out. | Bonyari focuses on the state of mind, while ukkari focuses on the mistake resulting from it. | ぼんやりと外を眺める (To gaze outside vacantly) |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for major, fatal errors.
It is best suited for minor, relatable everyday mistakes.
Using it for intentional actions.
Only use it for things that were genuinely unplanned or resulted from a lapse.
Examples
Examples
うっかり傘を電車に忘れてしまいました。
うっかり かさを でんしゃに わすれて しまいました。
I inadvertently left my umbrella on the train.
LiteralA classic example of an oversight with belongings.
うっかり計算を間違えてしまった。
うっかり けいさんを まちがえて しまった。
I made a careless mistake in the calculation.
LiteralA minor mistake with numbers.
うっかり秘密を話してしまった。
うっかり ひみつを はなして しまった。
I accidentally let the secret slip.
FigurativeA slip of the tongue (verbal mistake).
昨日はうっかりしていて、約束を忘れていました。
きのうは うっかり していて、 やくそくを わすれて いました。
I was being careless yesterday and forgot the appointment.
LiteralExplaining a state of lack of focus.
うっかりして赤い信号を渡りそうになった。
うっかり して あかい しんごうを わたりそうに なった。
I almost crossed on red due to a lapse in attention.
LiteralA near-miss accident due to distraction.
Similar Words
うかうか
ukauka
Describes a state of being off one's guard, absent-minded, or not paying proper attention. Indicates a continuous state of inattention.
ぼんやり
bonyari
This word describes something that lacks clarity and sharpness, either visually blurry and dim, or a state of spacing out and being absentminded. Indicates being absent-minded or spaced out.
Questions
Can I use うっかり to apologize?
Yes, 'Ukkari shite imashita' (I was being careless) is a common way to explain a minor oversight.
What is the difference between 'ukkari' and 'tsui'?
'Tsui' implies an impulse or habit that is hard to resist, whereas 'ukkari' is purely about a lack of focus.
Is it polite?
It is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the tone.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1001010
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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