How to say "meek" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 素直すなおna-adjective, nounCovers the sense of meekness as being honest, cooperative and willing to accept advice without protest; the nuance is positive, so a typical context is praising a child who listens obediently to their parents or teacher.
- 神妙しんみょうna-adjective, nounDescribes someone meek and subdued after being scolded or caught doing wrong; the nuance is chastened quietness rather than natural temperament, so it typically appears in contexts like a child going quiet after being told off.
- 柔和にゅうわna-adjective, nounRefers to meekness as a mild, gentle personal character or expression, not obedience; it suits describing someone whose face or manner is soft and lacking harshness, such as a kindly elderly person.
- i-adjectiveCovers meekness in the sense of being quiet, mild and undemanding; the nuance is a calm, non-disruptive disposition, so it fits describing a quiet child or a gentle, docile pet that never makes trouble.
- 従順じゅうじゅんna-adjective, nounCovers meekness as obedience and submission to authority; the nuance is readily following orders or rules, so it is a natural choice for describing a well-trained dog or a person who complies without resistance.
Use 素直 for honest, teachable meekness, 従順 for obedient submissiveness, 「おとなしい」 for quiet mildness, 柔和 for gentle temperament, and 神妙 for chastened, subdued behavior.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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