創造的な
sōzōteki na
The English word "creative" can be translated into Japanese as 創造的な (sōzōteki na) or 独創的な. Wiktionary also lists 独創的 (dokusōteki na).
Meaning: original, expressive, and imaginative (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 創造的な | sōzōteki na | |
| 独創的 | dokusōteki na | [do̞kɯ̟so̞ːte̞kʲi] (narrow) |
創造的な is a general term used to describe being creative, often in the context of the act of creation or production. 独創的な is used when you want to emphasize originality and a unique style that is not copied from others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 独創的な is based on the noun 独創, which means "originality" or "inventiveness". This is composed of 独, meaning "alone" or "single" and 創, meaning "create".
Which one should you use?
創造的な is a general term for creativity related to making or producing things. In contrast, 独創的な specifically highlights being inventive or original.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the na results in the stem 創造的, which is used in more formal contexts such as titles or compound nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
sōzōteki na
Did you know?
- In Japanese corporate environments, being called 独創的 can sometimes be a double-edged sword, implying that someone's ideas are too eccentric to be practical.
- The character 独 in 独創的 is the same character used in 独身 to describe a person who is single or unmarried.
- If you want to describe a person as 'creative' in a more modern, trendy way, Japanese speakers often use the loanword クリエイティブ (kurieitibu).
Examples in context
- 彼は創造的な仕事をしている。Kare wa souzouteki na shigoto o shite iru.He does creative work.
- もっと創造的なアイデアが必要だ。Motto souzouteki na aidea ga hitsuyou da.We need more creative ideas.
- 彼女の表現はとても創造的なんだ。Kanojo no hyougen wa totemo souzouteki nanda.Her expression is very creative.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a project at school.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは本当に創造的な考えをしますね。Himari-san wa hontō ni sōzōtekina kangae o shimasu ne.Himari, you really have creative thoughts.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、健太さん。Arigatō gozaimasu, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaこのデザインはとても素晴らしいです。Kono dezain wa totemo subarashii desu.This design is wonderful.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒にいい作品を作りましょう。Issho ni ii sakuhin o tsukurimashō.Let's make a great piece of work together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “creative” translations and entries 独創的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
