Inklingo

How to Say "reckless person" in Spanish

English → Spanish

imprudente

eem-proo-DEN-teh/im.pɾuˈðen.te/

nounB1
Use 'imprudente' when describing someone who is acting without thinking about the immediate danger or consequences of their actions, often in a specific moment.
A person balancing precariously on the very edge of a tall cliff to take a photo.

Examples

Ese imprudente cruzó la calle sin mirar.

That reckless guy crossed the street without looking.

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

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.

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

Turning Adjectives into Nouns

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into nouns just by adding 'el' or 'la'. So 'un imprudente' literally means 'a reckless (one)'.

Missing the Article

Mistake: “Él es un imprudente vs. Él es imprudente.”

Correction: Both are okay, but 'Él es un imprudente' sounds more like you are giving him a label or title, whereas 'Él es imprudente' just describes him.

irresponsable

/ee-rreh-spon-SAH-bleh//iresponˈsaβle/

nounB1
Use 'irresponsable' when referring to someone who generally lacks a sense of duty or consideration for the outcomes of their behavior, implying a broader character trait.
A person whistling and walking away from a large pile of messy toys and spilled blocks on the floor.

Examples

Ese tipo es un irresponsable.

That guy is an irresponsible person.

Los irresponsables que tiraron basura serán multados.

The irresponsible people who littered will be fined.

Turning descriptions into people

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into nouns just by adding 'un', 'una', 'el', or 'la' in front of them.

Imprudente vs. Irresponsable

Learners often confuse 'imprudente' and 'irresponsable'. Remember that 'imprudente' highlights a lack of caution in a specific act, like crossing the street without looking. 'Irresponsable' points to a more general character flaw of not taking responsibility for one's actions.

Related Translations

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