完璧主義者
kanpekishugisha
The English phrase 'perfectionist' is translated into Japanese as 完璧主義者 (kanpekishugisha). Wiktionary also lists 完全主義者 (kanzenshugisha).
Meaning: person who does not settle for anything that is not perfect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 完璧主義者 | kanpekishugisha | |
| 完全主義者 | kanzenshugisha | [kã̠nd͡zẽ̞ɰ̃ɕɨɡʲiɕa̠] (narrow) |
A perfectionist is a person who does not settle for anything that is not perfect. You can also use the phrase 非常に完璧主義な人 to describe a person who is extremely perfectionistic, or use 謙遜ぎみな完璧主義者 to convey the idea of being a perfectionist with a touch of modesty.
How do you pronounce it?
kanpekishugisha
Did you know?
- The word 完璧 (kanpeki) comes from a Chinese legend about a 'perfect' jade disk that was flawlessly round and had a hole exactly in the center.
- In a Japanese professional setting, calling someone a 完璧主義者 can sometimes be a subtle criticism, implying they are slow or difficult to work with because they cannot let go of tiny details.
- If you want to describe a perfectionist in a way that sounds more like a compliment to their craftsmanship, you might use the term こだわりが強い (kodawari ga tsuyoi) instead of the formal 'perfectionist'.
Examples in context
- 彼は完璧主義者だ。He is a perfectionist.This sentence uses 完璧主義者 to state that he is a perfectionist.Tatoeba #108778 by bunbuku, translation #2683157 by CH
- 完璧主義者ですか？Are you a perfectionist?This sentence uses 完璧主義者 to ask if someone is a perfectionist.Tatoeba #10804815 by small_snow, translation #3172422 by CK
- 完璧主義者なんです。I'm a perfectionist.This sentence uses 完璧主義者 to explain that the speaker is a perfectionist.Tatoeba #10804814 by small_snow, translation #1330977 by CK
- 先生は完璧主義者で、常に高い基準を追求しています。The teacher is a perfectionist and constantly pursues high standards.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two coworkers are discussing their working styles during a break.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔さんは、本当に完璧主義者ですね。Daishō-san wa, hontō ni kanpekishugisha desu ne.Daishō, you really are a perfectionist.
- 結衣 Yuiええ、妥協するのが苦手なんです。Ee, dakyō suru no ga nigate nan desu.Yes, I'm not very good at compromising.
- 大翔 Hirotoでも、仕事の質がとても高いですよ。Demo, shigoto no shitsu ga totemo takai desu yo.But the quality of your work is very high.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。結衣さんも丁寧ですよね。Arigatō gozaimasu. Yui-san mo teinei desu yo ne.Thank you. You are very thorough too, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “perfectionist” translations and entries 完全主義者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
