無茶(むちゃ)

むちゃ
na-adjective, noun
unreasonable, reckless, absurd
informalcolloquialevaluation
1. unreasonable, reckless, absurd
Beyond what is reasonable or sensible; acting without regard for consequences or logic. Can describe demands, behavior, or situations.
そんな無茶(むちゃ)な話(はなし)はない。
That's absurd.
無茶(むちゃ)な運転(うんてん)はやめてくれ。
Stop driving so recklessly.
若(わか)いころは無茶(むちゃ)をしたが、今(いま)は体(からだ)のことを考(かんが)えるようになった。
I was reckless when I was young, but now I've started thinking about my health.

Usage

Used in both na-adjective form (無茶(むちゃ)な + noun) and as a noun (無茶(むちゃ)をする = to do something reckless). Common in informal speech. The phrase 無茶(むちゃ)振(ぶ)り refers to putting someone on the spot with an unreasonable request, especially in entertainment.

Common collocations

  • 無茶(むちゃ)をする: to act recklessly
  • 無茶(むちゃ)な要求(ようきゅう): unreasonable demand
  • 無茶(むちゃ)振(ぶ)り: putting someone on the spot
  • 無茶(むちゃ)な話(はなし): an absurd story/request
  • 無茶(むちゃ)苦茶(くちゃ): total mess, absurd (intensified form)

Similar words

無謀(むぼう) is a close synonym but has a more formal register and emphasizes the rash, foolhardy nature of an action.