ふしだら

• Reading: ふしだら
• Romaji: fushidara
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯɕidaɾa/

Meaning

Slovenly; dissolute; loose in morals; lacking discipline or self-control.

A na-adjective typically written in hiragana that carries a judgmental tone about someone's lifestyle or morals. It can refer to physical untidiness (ふしだらな部屋) but more commonly describes moral laxity — irregular hours, undisciplined conduct, or sexual looseness. Its tone is disapproving and somewhat old-fashioned.

Examples

1. ふしだらな生活を続けていては体を壊すと何度も忠告された。 He was warned repeatedly that continuing such a dissolute lifestyle would ruin his health.
2. 親の目を離れた途端にふしだらな行動をとる若者が問題視されている。 Young people who engage in loose behavior the moment they're out of their parents' sight have become a growing concern.
3. 彼女のふしだらな態度が職場全体の雰囲気を乱していた。 Her slovenly attitude was disrupting the atmosphere of the entire workplace.

Usage Guide

Context: morality, lifestyle, social criticism

Tone: disapproving

Origin & History

Possibly derived from 節だら (irregular rhythm or pattern), where 節 means joint or measure. The word connotes a life lacking proper structure or moral backbone — a cadence that has gone slack.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-Modern–Modern

Generation: Older adults

Social background: Universal