Word
素直
Meaning in Englishobedient, meek, docile
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
What does 素直 mean? It refers to a person who is open, honest, and easy to persuade; a straightforward, unguarded disposition that accepts feedback and does not resist others' input.
Main meanings
- Honest and straightforward in expression; speaks plainly, without evasion
- Docile and compliant; willing to listen to advice and follow directions
- Sincere or genuine in feelings; unpretentious and open about emotions
- In social contexts, describes a learner or child as teachable or easy to guide
How to use it
Used as a na-adjective: 素直な, 素直だ, 素直に; used in casual conversation, family or school settings, and polite descriptions when talking about attitude toward feedback; describes people, attitudes, and expressions.
Variants and close terms
- 率直な (sochoku-na) — frank
- 正直な (shoujiki-na) — honest
- 従順な (jūjun-na) — obedient
- 頑固な (gankō-na) — stubborn
- ひねくれた (hinekureta) — contrarian
Composition
- 素: plain, simple, unadorned
- 直: straight, direct, honest
- Composição: together they express a plain, direct disposition, implying openness and sincerity
Origin
Usage appears in classical Japanese and continues into modern language, where it conveys a straightforward, honest temperament and, in everyday speech, a willingness to accept guidance or admit faults.
Word class
adjective (na-adjective) (形容動詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N1
出直し
denaoshi
adjustment, touch up
N1
質素
shisso
simplicity, modesty, frugality
N2
素人
shirouto
layman, amateur, novice
N2
水素
suiso
hydrogen
N2
垂直
suichoku
vertical, perpendicular
N2
素質
soshitsu
talent, capability
N2
卒直
socchoku
frank, candid, honest
N2
率直
socchoku
frank, candid, straightforward, openhearted, direct, outspoken
N2
直後
chokugo
immediately following
Kanji