offhand
word
Definition
If you say or do something offhand, you do it without planning, thinking, or preparation—often without showing much interest or care.
Usage & Nuances
'Offhand' is often used to describe answers or remarks that seem unprepared or careless. It can sound informal or even rude if someone's not showing enough attention. Common phrase: 'offhand comment.' Unlike 'impromptu,' 'offhand' can have a slightly negative tone.
Spanish: improvisado - sin pensar - espontáneo - de manera despreocupadaPortuguese (BR): improvisado - de imediato - sem pensar muitoPortuguese (PT): improvisado - de imediato - sem pensar muitoChinese (Simplified): 即興的 - 未加思考的Chinese (Traditional): 即興的 - 未加思考的Hindi: बिना सोचे (तुरंत) - आकस्मिकArabic: مرتجل - بدون تفكير مسبقBengali: হঠাৎ - অনিয়োজিতভাবেRussian: сходу - без подготовки - наспехJapanese: 即座に - 思いつきでVietnamese: ngẫu hứng - không chuẩn bị trước - buột miệngKorean: 즉흥적으로 - 무심코Turkish: doğaçlama - düşünmedenUrdu: بلا سوچے سمجھے - فی البدیہہIndonesian: ngẫu hứng - không chuẩn bị trước
Example Sentences
He gave an offhand answer to the question.
basic
I can’t remember her name offhand.
basic
Her offhand comment surprised everyone.
basic
Sorry, I can’t give you the number offhand—let me check my phone.
natural
He made an offhand remark that upset his boss.
natural
That question caught me offhand—I wasn’t prepared at all.
natural