Japanese Conversation · Level 69
75 words
Japanese word
素直
Pronunciation
Romajisunao
Meaning
- na-adjectiveobedient
Example
その子は素直です。so no ko wa su nao de su
That child is obedient.
More examples
間違いを認めて、素直に謝ります。ma chiga i o mito me te su nao ni ayama ri ma su
I admit my mistake and apologize honestly.
Core concept
It describes a person who responds without resistance and expresses thoughts or feelings in an open, unforced way.
Common phrases
素直な子su nao na ko
an obedient child
素直に受け入れるsu nao ni u ke i re ru
accept obediently
素直に謝るsu nao ni ayama ru
apologize sincerely
Similar words
従順jūjun: Follows advice or instructions willingly and without opposition.
正直shōjiki: Deals with others openly by telling the truth and showing genuine feelings.
率直sotchoku: States thoughts and feelings clearly without hiding or softening them.
Definition in Japanese
人の言うことを逆らわずに受け入れ、気持ちや態度を飾らずに表すさま。hito no i u ko to o saka ra wa zu ni u ke i re ki mo chi ya tai do o kaza ra zu ni arawa su sa ma
Word origin
As a native Japanese word, 素直 (sunao) combines 素 (su, "plain") and 直 (nao, "straight"), describing behavior that is plain and straight.
Usage tips
- In everyday conversation, 素直 (sunao) can praise a child for following advice, while describing an adult as 素直 often also suggests an open and unpretentious manner.
Other meanings
- honestna-adjective
- straightforwardna-adjective
Opposites
- 反抗的hankōtekidefiantna-adjective
Related words
- 素直さsunaosaobediencenoun