疎か

• Reading: おろそか
• Romaji: orosoka
• Kanji breakdown: 疎 (so/uto) — estranged, distant, neglect
• Pronunciation: /o.ɾo.so.ka/

Meaning

Negligent; neglectful; careless; remiss. Describes failing to give proper attention to something.

A na-adjective describing a state of neglect or insufficient attention. Commonly appears in the pattern ～を疎かにする (to neglect something) — 勉強を疎かにする (to neglect one's studies), 健康を疎かにする (to neglect one's health). Carries a clear negative connotation, implying that something important is being treated carelessly.

Examples

1. 仕事が忙しくて健康管理を疎かにしていた。 I was so busy with work that I neglected my health.
2. 基礎を疎かにすると後で苦労する。 If you neglect the basics, you'll struggle later.
3. 家事を疎かにしてはいけないと反省した。 I reflected that I shouldn't neglect the housework.

Usage Guide

Context: self-reflection, criticism, advice, education

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Old Japanese おろそか, related to the adjective 疎い (utoi, distant/unfamiliar). The kanji 疎 conveys the sense of being estranged or distant from something, extending to the meaning of neglecting what deserves attention.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal