客観的

• Reading: きゃっかんてき
• Romaji: kyakkanteki
• Kanji breakdown: 客 (kyaku) — guest, outsider; 観 (kan) — view, observe; 的 (teki) — -like
• Pronunciation: /kʲak.kaɴ.te.ki/

Meaning

Objective. Describes a viewpoint or judgment based on facts rather than personal feelings.

A na-adjective ending in 的 that describes assessments free from personal bias: 客観的な意見 (an objective opinion), 客観的に見る (to look at objectively), 客観的なデータ (objective data). Essential in academic writing and professional evaluation. The opposite is 主観的 (subjective).

Examples

1. 客観的なデータに基づいて判断しよう。 Let's make our judgment based on objective data.
2. 自分のことを客観的に見るのは難しい。 It's hard to look at yourself objectively.
3. 客観的な立場から意見を述べてほしい。 I'd like you to give your opinion from an objective standpoint.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, business, debate

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 客観 (kyakkan, objectivity — from 客 'guest/outsider' + 観 'view') and 的 (teki, -like). Together, 'having the quality of an outsider's view' — seeing from a detached perspective.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal