素直|すなおsunao[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. na-adjective, nounobedient; meek; docile; unaffected
2. na-adjective, nounhonest; frank; upfront (about one's feelings)
   思おもっていることを素直すなおに言いうのは悪わるいことではありません。↗

   Saying what you think frankly is not a bad thing.
3. na-adjective, nounstraight (e.g. hair)
4. na-adjective, nounwithout peculiarity; without mannerisms; standard; neat (e.g. handwriting)

• Synonym従順じゅうじゅんNeutralObedient and submissive — following others without resisting; also used for accepting fate or circumstances. 「素直」 is about a candid, unwarped character.
• SynonymまっすぐNeutralMeans physically straight; figuratively, upright and single-minded. 「素直」 is about calmly accepting things.
• Synonym率直そっちょくNeutralFrank and candid in speech — about how you express yourself. 「素直」 describes a mild, unwarped personality rather than a way of talking.
• Synonym正直しょうじきNeutralHonesty in the moral sense — not lying. 「素直」 is about a yielding mindset, not acting tough or stubborn.
• SynonymストレートNeutralA loanword for being direct and straightforward. 「素直」 carries an extra nuance of meekness and taking advice.
• Synonym誠実せいじつNeutralSincere and trustworthy — honesty and responsibility in how you treat people and handle tasks. 「素直」 is about personality itself.
• Synonym実直じっちょくWrittenWritten/formal prose: honest, steady and dutiful. 「素直」 stresses being candid and open to advice.
• Synonym真面目まじめNeutralSerious and earnest — about one's attitude to things. 「素直」 is about being unwarped and receptive to what others say.
• SynonymフランクNeutralA loanword for being open and easygoing with people, without formality. 「素直」 is about meekness of character.
• Synonym飾り気のないかざりけのないNeutralPlain and natural, unaffected — describes appearance or manner of speaking. 「素直」 is about one's inner nature.
• SynonymざっくばらんCasualColloquial. Outspoken and unreserved — you say exactly what you think. 「素直」 carries a nuance of meekness.
• Related真面目まじめNeutralSerious and earnest — about one's attitude to things. 「素直」 is about being unwarped and receptive to what others say.
• Antonym反抗的はんこうてきNeutralDefiant and rebellious — the opposite of the obedient, compliant side of 「素直」.
• Antonym頑固がんこNeutralStubborn — refusing to change one's mind or take advice. The opposite of 「素直」 in its sense of accepting things readily.
• AntonymひねくれるNeutralA verb for a personality that turns warped or sulky — the opposite of the candid, straightforward 「素直」.

Use 「素直」 for a candid, unwarped character that takes advice well, as in 「素直に謝る」. For obeying orders, say 「従順」; for speaking frankly, 「率直」; for honesty that means never lying, 「正直」; for a warped, sulky nature, 「ひねくれる」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 性格せいかくや態度たいどがひねくれておらず、人ひとの言動げんどうをそのまま受け入うけいれるさま。
2. （技芸ぎげいにおいて、その人ひと特有とくゆうの）癖くせのないさま。
3. （髪の毛かみのけがうまれつきの、あるいはパーマによる人工的じんこうてきなウェーブがなく）まっすぐである。