過失

• Reading: かしつ
• Romaji: kashitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka) — excess, error, pass; 失 (shitsu) — lose, miss, fail
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɕi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Negligence; an accidental error or fault, often carrying legal implications.

A noun used primarily in legal and formal contexts to describe an unintentional mistake or failure of due care. Distinguished from 故意 (intentional). Appears in legal terms like 過失致死 (involuntary manslaughter) and 過失運転 (negligent driving). Also used more broadly for errors caused by carelessness.

Examples

1. 運転者の過失による事故が増えている。 Accidents caused by driver negligence are on the rise.
2. 過失がなければ責任は問われない。 If there is no negligence, no liability will be held.
3. 重大な過失があった場合は刑事責任を問われる。 If there is gross negligence, criminal liability may be pursued.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, insurance, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 過 (excess, error, pass by) + 失 (lose, miss, fail). Together they convey the idea of a failure or miss caused by going beyond proper care — an error of omission or negligence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal