Translation and Meaning of: 疎か - orosoka

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about unique words in this language, you may have come across the term 疎か (おろそか). This expression carries a deep meaning and is often used in contexts that require attention to detail. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is perceived in everyday Japanese life. Additionally, you will find practical tips to memorize it and understand its use in real situations.

Meaning and usage of 疎か (おろそか)

The word おろそか is an adjective in the na form and describes something that has been neglected, done carelessly, or treated superficially. In English, it can be translated as "careless," "negligent," or "superficial." For example, if someone says 勉強をおろそかにする, it means that they are neglecting their studies.

In Japan, this expression is often used in contexts involving responsibility or duties. Employers may warn employees not to be おろそか with their tasks, and parents may use it to reprimand children who do not take their school obligations seriously. It is a word associated with warnings and advice.

The origin and writing in kanji of おろそか

The kanji 疎 (so, uto) means "to distance oneself," "negligence," or "sparse." This character is composed of the radical 疋 (leg) and 足 (foot), suggesting the idea of "letting go" or "not approaching." The combination with the suffix か reinforces the sense of something that has been neglected or not given proper attention.

It is worth noting that, although the term is written with kanji in formal texts, it often appears in hiragana (おろそか) in everyday life. This happens because some Japanese people find kanji complex or uncommon, especially in informal conversations.

Tips for memorizing and using おろそか

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of something you have let slip due to carelessness, like a bill to pay or a forgotten appointment. That feeling of "having neglected" is exactly what おろそか conveys.

Another tip is to observe its use in dramas or animes that depict school or professional life. Series like Hanzawa Naoki or GTO may have dialogues in which the word appears naturally, helping to internalize its meaning in a contextualized way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 怠慢 (taiman) - Negligence, lack of care
• 不注意 (fuchuui) - Inattention, lack of attention
• 不備 (fubi) - Deficiency, lack of preparation
• 軽率 (keisotsu) - Recklessness, lack of caution
• いい加減 (iikagen) - Irresponsible, carefree
• ぞんざい (zonzai) - Messy, careless
• おろそか (orosoka) - Negligent, careless with details
• ぞんざつ (zontatsu) - Unorganized, imprecise
• いいかげん (iikagen) - Irresponsible, vague
• いい加減 (iikagen) - Irresponsible, carefree
• いいかげんにする (iikagen ni suru) - To be irresponsible, to do something carelessly
• だらしない (darashinai) - Carefree, without discipline
• だらしのない (darashi no nai) - Unorganized, careless
• だらしない (darashinai) - Carefree, without discipline
• だらしがない (darashiga nai) - Without makeup, scruffy
• だら (dara) - Laziness, a state of idleness