German word

naiv

Pronunciation

IPA/naˈiːf/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinnocent

Example

Das ist ein naives Kind.

This is an innocent child.

Illustration for naiv (innocent)

More examples

Sein naives Verhalten machte ihn zur Zielscheibe von Betrügern.

His innocent behavior made him a target for con artists.

Core concept

An open, unguarded mind treats an appealing story as true, combining childlike innocence with little practical skepticism.

Common phrases

  • naives Verhalten

    innocent behavior

  • naive Einschätzung

    simplistic assessment

Similar words

leichtgläubig: Quick to believe what others say and therefore easily deceived.
blauäugig: Innocently optimistic and unaware of practical dangers or unpleasant realities.
arglos: Trusting and unaware of harmful intentions or hidden motives.
gutgläubig: Inclined to assume good intentions and believe others without suspicion.

Definition in German

so, dass jemand Dinge ohne kritisches Nachdenken glaubt und deshalb leicht getäuscht werden kann.

Word origin

The adjective was borrowed through French naïf from Latin nativus, whose sense of being natural or inborn became associated with unaffected innocence.

Usage tips

  • Naiv can describe a person, idea, or approach, and its negative tone depends on context rather than being limited to personal gullibility.

Other meanings

  • childlikeadjective
  • simplisticadjective
  • gullibleadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Naivitätnaivetynoun

Word lists with this word