How to say "erratic" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 突飛とっぴ
    na-adjective, nounCovers 'erratic' as wildly unconventional or offbeat: ideas, plans, or behavior that startle by departing far from the ordinary. Typical context: reacting to a bold, offbeat proposal or an unconventional way of doing things.
    君きみの行動こうどうは突飛とっぴすぎるよ。↗
    Your behavior is too extraordinary.
  • 発作的ほっさてき
    na-adjectiveCovers 'erratic' as fitful or spasmodic: actions or movements that come in sudden, unpredictable bursts rather than continuing steadily. Typical context: someone who acts on sudden impulse, unpredictably and without warning.
  • 常軌を逸したじょうきをいっした
    expression, prenominal modifierCovers 'erratic' as aberrant: behavior that has left the normal track, going beyond the bounds of ordinary conduct or reason. Typical context: conduct so outlandish that it seems to have gone off the rails.
  • 心もとないこころもとない
    i-adjectiveSeldom the word you want for 'erratic': it really means unreliable or undependable — people or things you cannot count on, leaving you uneasy. Choose it only when 'undependable' is the sense you mean.
    あの人ひとの言いうことはどうも心こころもとないわね。↗
    I cannot place confidence in his words.

All four are less common renderings: pick 突飛 for wildly unconventional ideas or behavior, 発作的 for fitful, burst-like actions, 「常軌を逸した」 for conduct gone beyond normal bounds, and 「心もとない」 only for the 'undependable' sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
See also

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android