失言

• Reading: しつげん
• Romaji: shitsugen
• Kanji breakdown: 失 (shitsu) — lose, miss, fail; 言 (gen/gon) — word, speech, say
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.ɡeɴ/

Meaning

Verbal gaffe; slip of the tongue; an inappropriate or careless remark.

A noun and する verb (失言する) referring to saying something inappropriate, offensive, or careless, especially by public figures. Frequently appears in political news when politicians make controversial remarks. Common expressions include 失言が問題になる (a gaffe becomes a problem) and 失言を謝罪する (to apologise for a gaffe).

Examples

1. 大臣の失言がニュースで大きく取り上げられた。 The minister's gaffe was covered heavily in the news.
2. 緊張していたせいか面接で失言してしまった。 Maybe it was nerves, but I put my foot in my mouth during the interview.
3. 一度の失言で長年の信頼を失うこともある。 A single careless remark can sometimes cost years of hard-earned trust.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, social situations

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 失 (shitsu, to lose/miss) + 言 (gen, word/speech). Literally 'lost words' — words that should not have been spoken, words that escaped one's control.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal