正直
shōjiki[ɕo̞ːʑikʲi]
The English word honest is translated into Japanese as 正直 (shōjiki). Wiktionary also lists 誠実 (seijitsu).
Meaning: scrupulous with regard to telling the truth (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 正直 | shōjiki | [ɕo̞ːʑikʲi] (narrow) |
| 誠実 | seijitsu | [se̞ːʑit͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The word is used to describe someone who is scrupulous with regard to telling the truth.
Which one should you use?
While 正直 (shōjiki) focuses on truthfulness and not lying, 誠実 (seijitsu) implies a deeper sense of sincerity, integrity and faithfulness in one's character or dealings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 正直 as an adjective modifying a noun, you must add な after it, as in 正直な人. To use 正直 as an adverb meaning 'honestly' or 'frankly', you change the ending to に, as in 正直に言うと.
How do you pronounce it?
shōjiki
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific phrase 正直者が馬鹿を見る which translates to 'the honest person plays the fool', suggesting that honesty can lead to being taken advantage of.
- In Japanese culture, being too 正直 can be seen as a lack of social skill or tact. There is a concept called 本音 (honne) for true feelings and 建前 (tatemae) for the public face used to maintain harmony.
- The kanji for 'truth' in 正直 is 正, which literally means 'correct' or 'righteous', implying that an honest person is one who follows the correct path.
Examples in context
- 彼は正直な男だ。He is an honest man.The first sentence is useful for describing a person using 正直.Tatoeba #103281 by bunbuku, translation #300412 by CK
- 彼は正直そうだ。He seems honest.The second sentence is useful for describing how someone seems using 正直.Tatoeba #103302 by bunbuku, translation #300391 by CK
- トムは正直者だ。Tom is honest.The third sentence is useful for identifying someone as an honest person using 正直.Tatoeba #8596781 by small_snow, translation #2202946 by CK
- 彼はとても 正直 な人です。He is a very honest person.
- 彼の返事はいつも 素直 です。His responses are always honest.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new colleague.
- 大翔 Hirotoあの人はとても正直ですね。Ano hito wa totemo shoujiki desu ne.That person is very honest, isn't he?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、信頼できる人です。Hai, shinrai dekiru hito desu.Yes, he is a trustworthy person.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんもそう思いますか？Yui-san mo sou omoimasu ka?Do you think so too, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiええ、間違いないと思います。Ee, machigainai to omoimasu.Yes, I'm sure of it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honest” translations and entries 正直, 誠実, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
