愚行

• Reading: ぐこう
• Romaji: gukou
• Kanji breakdown: 愚 (gu/ore) — foolish, stupid; 行 (kō/i/yu) — act, conduct, go
• Pronunciation: /ɡɯkoː/

Meaning

Foolish act; folly; stupidity. An action that is clearly unwise, reckless, or morally questionable.

A formal noun used to criticise actions that show a lack of judgement or wisdom. Often appears in written commentary, historical analysis, or moralising contexts. Can refer to both individual blunders and large-scale historical mistakes by nations or leaders.

Examples

1. 独断で契約を破棄するとは、まさに愚行の極みだ。 Unilaterally canceling the contract was the height of folly.
2. 後世の歴史家たちはその戦争を最大の愚行と評した。 Later historians judged that war to be the greatest act of folly.
3. 若気の至りによる愚行は、誰にでもあるものだ。 Everyone has committed some foolish act in the recklessness of youth.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, history, ethics, politics

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Compound of 愚 (gu, foolish/stupid) and 行 (kō, act/conduct). Directly means a stupid act or conduct born of foolishness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated