素直
すなお·sunao
Meaning
honest; obedient; straightforward; frank; docile
Nuance & Usage
素直 describes a person who is honest, open, and unguarded — someone who accepts things without resistance or pretense. 素直な子 (a well-behaved, honest child), 素直に謝る (to apologize honestly/readily), 素直に認める (to acknowledge openly) are typical uses. In Japanese culture, being 素直 is seen as a positive trait — it means you don't have hidden motives or excessive ego. The phrase 素直になれない (can't be honest/open) is used when someone has trouble expressing true feelings.
Common Mistakes
素直 can be tricky because it doesn't translate to one single English word. It's not just "honest" (正直, shoujiki) — 素直 specifically means being open and unresisting, without obstinacy. 素直に従う (to follow without resistance) is submissive in a positive sense. Don't confuse with 正直 (shoujiki — honest, not lying) which focuses on truthfulness. 素直に言うと (to be frank) is a useful discourse marker for introducing honest opinions.
Example Sentences (3)
素直に「ごめんなさい」と言えばいいのに。
すなおに「ごめんなさい」といえばいいのに。
You should just honestly say "I'm sorry."
彼女は素直な性格で、みんなに好かれている。
かのじょはすなおなせいかくで、みんなにすかれている。
She has an open, honest personality and is liked by everyone.
素直に言うと、その提案には少し不安があります。
すなおにいうと、そのていあんにはすこしふあんがあります。
To be honest, I have some concerns about that proposal.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 素直 with 4 different question types.
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