Japanese word

正直

Pronunciation

Romajishōjiki

Meaning

  • na-adjectivehonest

Example

私は正直な人です。watashi wa shō jiki na hito de su

I am an honest person.

Illustration for 正直 (honest)

More examples

分からないときは、正直に聞き返します。wa ka ra na i to ki wa shō jiki ni ki ki kae shi ma su

When I do not understand, I honestly ask the other person to repeat it.

Core concept

Centers on expressing what is true without hiding it, often with a direct and open manner.

Common phrases

  • 正直に話すshō jiki ni hana su

    speak honestly

  • 正直な気持ちshō jiki na ki mo chi

    honest feelings

  • 正直に言うshō jiki ni i u

    say honestly

Similar words

率直sotchoku: Stating thoughts and opinions plainly without trying to soften them.
素直sunao: Being open and receptive without resistance or pretense.
誠実seijitsu: Showing sincere and dependable character in words and actions.

Definition in Japanese

本当のことを隠したり偽ったりせず、率直に振る舞うさま。hon tō no ko to o kaku shi ta ri itsuwa tta ri se zu sot choku ni fu ru ma u sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 正直 (shōjiki, "honest") combines 正 (sei, "right") and 直 (choku, "straight"), giving the sense of being right and straight.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 正直 (shōjiki) can introduce a candid opinion, as in 正直に言うと (shōjiki ni iu to), meaning "to be honest."

Other meanings

  • frankna-adjective

Opposites

  • 不正直fushōjikidishonestna-adjective

Related words

  • 正直さshōjikisahonestynoun
  • 正直者shōjikimonohonest personnoun

Word lists with this word