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imprudente

eem-proo-DEN-teh/im.pɾuˈðen.te/

“imprudente” means “reckless” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

reckless, unwise

Also: careless, indiscreet
Adjectivem or fB1
A child running across a busy road without looking, chasing a rolling ball.

📝 In Action

Es imprudente conducir tan rápido cuando llueve.

A2

It is reckless to drive so fast when it rains.

Fue un comentario imprudente y le dolió a su hermana.

B1

It was an unwise comment and it hurt his sister.

No seas imprudente, ponte el casco antes de salir.

B1

Don't be careless, put on your helmet before leaving.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • insensato (foolish/senseless)
  • temerario (daring/reckless)

Antonyms

  • prudente (cautious/wise)
  • cauteloso (careful)

Common Collocations

  • conducta imprudente – reckless behavior
  • maniobra imprudente – dangerous maneuver
  • decisión imprudente – unwise decision

reckless person

Also: fool
Nounm or fB1
A person balancing precariously on the very edge of a tall cliff to take a photo.

📝 In Action

Ese imprudente cruzó la calle sin mirar.

B1

That reckless guy crossed the street without looking.

No escuches a ese imprudente, no sabe lo que dice.

B2

Don't listen to that fool, he doesn't know what he's saying.

La policía detuvo a un imprudente que iba en sentido contrario.

B2

The police stopped a reckless driver who was going the wrong way.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • atolondrado (scatterbrained)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un joven imprudente – a reckless youth

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "imprudente" in Spanish:

careless→fool→indiscreet→reckless→reckless person→unwise→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: imprudente

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is 'imprudente' behavior?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
prudente(cautious/wise) — Adjective
imprudencia(recklessness) — Noun
prudentemente(cautiously) — Adverb
imprudentemente(recklessly) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'imprudens'. It combines 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'prudens' (which comes from 'providens', meaning 'foreseeing'). Essentially, it describes someone who doesn't look ahead at the consequences.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: imprudentFrench: imprudentItalian: imprudente

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'imprudente' the same as 'irresponsable'?

They are very close! 'Irresponsable' means someone doesn't fulfill their duties, while 'imprudente' specifically means they are acting without caution or good judgment.

Does this word change in the plural?

Yes! Just add '-s'. For example: 'Ellos son imprudentes'.

Can I use this word for a child?

Yes, it is very common for parents to tell children 'No seas imprudente' when they are doing something slightly dangerous like climbing a tall chair.