(わかげ)

わかげ
noun
youthful impetuousness
1. youthful impetuousness; recklessness of youth
The impulsive energy and lack of restraint characteristic of young people. Almost always appears in the fixed expression 若気の至り (a youthful indiscretion).
若気(わかげ)(いた)りだった。
It was a youthful indiscretion.
あれは若気(わかげ)(いた)りで、(いま)では後悔(こうかい)している。
That was a youthful indiscretion, and I regret it now.
若気(わかげ)(いた)りとはいえ、()(かえ)しのつかないことをしてしまった。
Even though it was the recklessness of youth, I did something that can't be undone.

USAGE:
Almost exclusively used in the set phrase 若気(わかげ)(いた)り (youthful indiscretion, literally "the culmination of youthful impetuousness"). This expression is used when looking back on something reckless or foolish done in one's youth. It carries a tone of self-deprecation or rueful reflection.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 若気(わかげ)(いた)り (youthful indiscretion — the primary usage)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 血気(けっき): hot-bloodedness — youthful reckless energy, as in 血気(けっき)にはやる (to act rashly out of youthful ardor)
  • (あお)い: immature, green — describes someone who lacks experience