Word
素直
Meaning in Englishobedient, meek, docile
Animated kanji stroke order
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)