Japanese word

謙虚

Pronunciation

Romajikenkyo

Meaning

  • na-adjectivehumble

Example

彼はいつも謙虚です。kare wa i tsu mo ken kyo de su

He is always humble.

Illustration for 謙虚 (humble)

More examples

成功した後も、謙虚でいましょう。sei kō shi ta ato mo ken kyo de i ma shō

Even after you succeed, remain humble.

Core concept

Centers on holding one's abilities and achievements lightly instead of placing oneself above others.

Common phrases

  • 謙虚な姿勢ken kyo na shi sei

    a humble attitude

  • 謙虚な態度ken kyo na tai do

    a humble manner

Similar words

控えめhikaeme: Keeps behavior, claims, or self-presentation within restrained limits and avoids drawing attention.
つつましやかtsutsumashiyaka: Has a gentle, modest manner and does not appear showy or self-important.
謙遜kenson: Showing modesty by downplaying one's own abilities or achievements, especially when praised.

Definition in Japanese

自分を実際以上に高く見せようとせず、慎み深く振る舞うさま。ji bun o jis sai i jō ni taka ku mi se yō to se zu tsutsushi mi buka ku fu ru ma u sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 謙虚 (kenkyo) is made from 謙 (ken, "modest") and 虚 (kyo, "empty"), linking modesty with a lack of self-importance.

Usage tips

  • Japanese speakers often use 謙虚 (kenkyo) for someone who remains modest after gaining skill or success, which gives the word a positive nuance in praise.

Other meanings

  • modestna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 謙虚さkenkyosahumilitynoun

Word lists with this word