謙虚な
kenkyo na
The English word humble can be translated into Japanese as 謙虚な (kenkyo na). Wiktionary also lists 謙遜した (kenson na) and 卑屈な (hikutsu na).
Meaning: thinking lowly of oneself (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 謙虚な | kenkyo na |
| 謙遜した | kenson na |
| 卑屈な | hikutsu na |
謙虚な is used to describe a positive, admirable quality of being modest and open to learning. In contrast, 卑屈な describes a negative state of being overly submissive or having a low opinion of oneself in a way that seems pathetic or lacking dignity.
Which one should you use?
Use 謙虚な when you want to praise someone for being modest and upright. Use 卑屈な when describing someone who is being pathetically submissive or lacks self-respect.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
謙虚な is a na-adjective, so it requires the particle な when modifying a noun, such as 謙虚な人 (a humble person).
How do you pronounce it?
kenkyo na
Did you know?
- Japanese has an entire category of 'humble' language called 謙譲語 (kenjōgo), where speakers use specific verbs to lower their own status to show respect to others.
- In traditional Japanese social etiquette, it is common to reflexively deny a compliment using 謙遜 (kenson) even if the speaker knows the praise is true.
- The concept of 謙虚 (kenkyo) is deeply connected to the Zen Buddhist virtue of 'emptiness', where being 'empty' of ego allows for true learning.
Examples in context
- Shimashō to omoi zonjimasu (しましょうと思い存じます)I humbly think I will do it.
- 彼はとても謙虚な人です。Kare wa totemo kenkyo na hito desu.He is a very humble person.
- 彼女は謙虚な姿勢を忘れない。Kanojo wa kenkyo na shisei o wasurenai.She never forgets to maintain a humble attitude.
- 成功しても、謙虚な態度でいたい。Seikou shite mo, kenkyo na taido de itai.Even if I succeed, I want to stay humble.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a talented colleague.
- 結衣 Yuiあの人はあんなにすごいのに、本当に謙虚な人ね。Ano hito wa anna ni sugoi noni, hontō ni kenkyo na hito ne.That person is so amazing, yet so humble, isn't he?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。いつも周りを尊重しているよ。Sō da ne. Itsumo mawari o sonchō shite iru yo.True. He always respects those around him.
- 結衣 Yui私もそんな風になりたいな。Watashi mo sonna fū ni naritai na.I want to be like that too.
- 陽太 Yota結衣も十分謙虚だと思うよ。Yui mo jūbun kenkyo da to omou yo.I think you are humble enough, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humble” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
