浅はか

• Reading: あさはか
• Romaji: asahaka
• Kanji breakdown: 浅 (asa) — shallow
• Pronunciation: /a.sa.ha.ka/

Meaning

Shallow; superficial; thoughtless. Lacking depth in thought or judgement.

A na-adjective written 浅はか or 浅墓. Describes thinking, plans, or people that are naive, careless, or shortsighted. Often used in self-reflection or criticism. More pointed than 軽率 (careless) because it implies a fundamental lack of depth rather than just a momentary lapse.

Examples

1. 浅はかな考えで大きな契約を断ったことを後悔している。 I regret turning down a major contract based on such shallow thinking.
2. そんな浅はかな言い訳では誰も納得しない。 No one will be convinced by such a superficial excuse.
3. 若気の至りで浅はかな行動をとってしまった。 In the recklessness of youth, I acted thoughtlessly.

Usage Guide

Context: self-criticism, judgement, advice, reflection

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Native Japanese: 浅 (shallow) + はか (from 測る, to measure/gauge). The combination suggests something that cannot be measured deeply — i.e., lacking substance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal