1.
slip of the tongue, verbal gaffe, verbal blunder
An inappropriate or careless remark, especially one made publicly. Often refers to statements by politicians, public figures, or anyone in a position of responsibility that cause controversy or offense.
大臣の失言が問題になった。
The minister's verbal gaffe became a problem.
あの発言は明らかに失言だった。
That remark was clearly a slip of the tongue.
記者会見で失言してしまい、翌日のニュースで大きく取り上げられた。
He made a verbal gaffe at the press conference, and it was widely covered in the next day's news.
失言 refers to an inappropriate or unintentional remark, especially in public or formal settings.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 失言する: to make a verbal blunder
- 失言を謝罪する: to apologize for a gaffe
- 失言が問題になる: a gaffe becomes an issue
- 失言を繰り返す: to repeatedly make gaffes
USAGE:
Very common in news and political contexts. Japanese media frequently reports on politicians' 失言, which can lead to resignations or loss of public support.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 言い間違い: a misspoken word (accidental, minor)
- 失言: a gaffe (carries weight, often inappropriate content)
- 暴言: abusive or outrageous language (intentionally offensive)