無鉄砲(むてっぽう)

むてっぽう
na-adjective
reckless; rash; daredevil
1. reckless; rash; impulsive; foolhardy
Acting without thinking about the consequences or danger. Describes someone who charges ahead boldly but thoughtlessly, often leading to trouble. Can be used with a mix of criticism and grudging admiration.
彼(かれ)は無鉄砲(むてっぽう)な性格(せいかく)だ。
He has a reckless personality.
無鉄砲(むてっぽう)な運転(うんてん)は事故(じこ)のもとだ。
Reckless driving is a cause of accidents.
若(わか)い頃(ころ)は無鉄砲(むてっぽう)で、何(なん)でも挑戦(ちょうせん)した。
When I was young, I was reckless and tried everything.

A な-adjective. The kanji literally read 'without' (無(む)) + 'gun' (鉄砲(てっぽう)), but this is ateji (phonetic kanji). The origin is debated — one theory connects it to 無手法(むてほう) (without a plan/method).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 無鉄砲(むてっぽう)な行動(こうどう): reckless behavior
  • 無鉄砲(むてっぽう)な若者(わかもの): a reckless youth
  • 無鉄砲(むてっぽう)な挑戦(ちょうせん): a foolhardy challenge

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 無謀(むぼう): reckless, rash — more formal, emphasizes foolishness of the plan
  • 向(む)こう見(み)ず: reckless, daring — similar nuance, slightly more colloquial
  • 大胆(だいたん): bold, daring — more positive, implies courage rather than thoughtlessness

CULTURAL NOTE:
Natsume Sōseki's novel 坊(ぼ)っちゃん features a protagonist who is described as 無鉄砲(むてっぽう) in the famous opening line.

general
Added 2026.3.29 6:14
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