無頓着

• Reading: むとんちゃく
• Romaji: mutonchaku
• Kanji breakdown: 無 (mu/bu) — without; 頓 (ton) — suddenly, thoroughly; 着 (chaku/ki) — to attach, concern
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.toɴ.tɕa.kɯ/

Meaning

Indifferent; unconcerned; completely unattentive to something. Describes a person who shows no interest or concern in a matter where others would.

A na-adjective meaning that someone is entirely unaffected or uninterested in something, often when others consider concern appropriate. Common collocations include 外見に無頓着 ('indifferent to one's appearance') and 他人の目に無頓着 ('unconcerned with how others see them'). The tone can be admiring (admirable detachment) or mildly critical (careless inattention).

Examples

1. 彼は流行に無頓着で、いつも同じスタイルの服を着ている。 He is indifferent to trends and always wears the same style of clothes.
2. 他人の評価に無頓着でいられるのは、ある種の強さだ。 Being unconcerned about others' opinions is, in a way, a kind of strength.
3. 財布の中身に無頓着な人は、気がつくと使いすぎていることが多い。 People who are careless about how much is in their wallet often end up overspending before they realize it.

Usage Guide

Context: character description, social commentary, everyday conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 無 (mu, 'without') and 頓着 (tonchaku, 'care, concern, close attention'). 頓着 itself derives from close attentiveness; its negation describes a person who pays no such attention.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal