無謀

• Reading: むぼう
• Romaji: mubou
• Kanji breakdown: 無 (mu) — without, lacking; 謀 (bō) — plan, strategy, scheme
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.bo̞ː/

Meaning

Reckless; rash; foolhardy; imprudent. Describes acting without adequate forethought, often in the face of obvious danger or impossibility.

A na-adjective (also used as a noun) meaning literally 'without strategy/plan'. 無謀な挑戦 is a reckless challenge, while 無謀運転 is reckless driving. Although negative, the word can carry a hint of grudging respect in narrative contexts, where a character's 無謀さ (recklessness) is also their defining courage. Common in business, sports, and safety contexts.

Examples

1. 資金も計画もなく起業するのは無謀だと、周囲の全員に反対された。 Everyone around me opposed it, saying it was reckless to start a business with no funding and no plan.
2. 無謀な追い越しが引き金となって、大きな事故が起きた。 A reckless overtaking manoeuvre triggered a major accident.
3. 当時は無謀だと思われた計画が、十年後には大成功を収めた。 The plan that was considered reckless at the time achieved great success ten years later.

Usage Guide

Context: risk, decision-making, driving, business, sports

Tone: critical or dramatic

Origin & History

From Chinese. 無 (mu — without, lacking) + 謀 (bō — plan, strategy, scheme). Literally 'without plan or strategy', i.e. acting blindly without forethought.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: General