素直

• Reading: すなお
• Romaji: sunao
• Kanji breakdown: 素 (su/so) — plain, natural, element; 直 (nao/choku) — straight, honest, fix
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.na.o/

Meaning

Honest; obedient; gentle-natured. Open and receptive without resistance.

A na-adjective (素直な) that describes a personality trait of being genuine and cooperative. In Japanese culture, 素直 is highly valued — it means being honest with one's feelings, accepting advice gracefully, and not being stubborn or defensive.

Examples

1. 素直に謝ったほうがいいよ。 You should just apologize honestly.
2. あの子は素直でとても育てやすい。 That child is so easygoing and easy to raise.
3. 素直な気持ちを伝えるのは大切だ。 It's important to express your honest feelings.

Usage Guide

Context: personality description, parenting, relationships

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 素 (su, plain/natural) and 直 (nao, straight/honest). Together they express one's natural, unaffected straightforwardness — being true without pretense.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal