Japanese word

潔い

Pronunciation

Romajiisagiyoi

Meaning

  • i-adjectivegracious

Example

私は潔く負けを認めます。watashi wa isagiyo ku ma ke o mito me ma su

I graciously admit defeat.

Illustration for 潔い (gracious)

More examples

間違いを指摘されても、彼は潔く謝ります。ma chiga i o shi teki sa re te mo kare wa isagiyo ku ayama ri ma su

Even when his mistake is pointed out, he apologizes graciously.

Core concept

Conveys the dignified strength to accept reality directly and move on without clinging to pride or advantage.

Common phrases

  • 潔く謝罪するisagiyo ku sha zai su ru

    apologize graciously

  • 潔く負けを認めるisagiyo ku ma ke o mito me ru

    admit defeat gracefully

  • 潔く退くisagiyo ku shirizo ku

    step aside gracefully

Similar words

清々しいsugasugashii: Describes a fresh, clear, and unburdened quality in a person, manner, or atmosphere.

Definition in Japanese

自分に不利な事実や結果をためらわずに認め、さっぱりと受け入れるさま。ji bun ni fu ri na ji jitsu ya kek ka o ta me ra wa zu ni mito me sa ppa ri to u ke i re ru sa ma

Word origin

潔い (isagiyoi) is a native adjective associated with 潔 (isagi, "purity") and よい (yoi, "good"); this structure connects purity with honorable conduct, while the exact history remains uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese public commentary, 潔い (isagiyoi) can praise someone who resigns after a mistake without blaming others or trying to preserve their position.

Other meanings

  • bravei-adjective
  • noblei-adjective

Opposites

  • 未練がましいmirengamashiiclingyi-adjective

Related words

  • 潔さisagiyosagracefulnessnoun

Word lists with this word