謙 虚(けんきょ)

けんきょ

na-adjective

humble, modest

1. humble, modest, unassuming

Having or showing a modest view of one's own importance; not arrogant.

彼(かれ)は成功(せいこう)しても謙虚(けんきょ)だ。

He remains humble even after succeeding.

謙虚(けんきょ)な姿勢(しせい)で学(まな)ぶことが大切(たいせつ)だ。

It's important to learn with a humble attitude.

批判(ひはん)を謙虚(けんきょ)に受(う)け止(と)める。

I accept criticism humbly.

謙虚(けんきょ) describes a humble, modest attitude valued highly in Japanese culture.

Common collocations

謙虚(けんきょ)な姿勢(しせい) (humble attitude)
謙虚(けんきょ)な態度(たいど) (humble manner)
謙虚(けんきょ)に受(う)け止(と)める (to accept humbly)
謙虚(けんきょ)に学(まな)ぶ (to learn humbly)

Related terms

謙遜(けんそん) (modesty, humility - often in speech)
控(ひか)えめ (reserved, modest)
傲慢(ごうまん) (arrogant - opposite)
素直(すなお) (obedient, honest)

Cultural note

謙虚(けんきょ) is considered a positive trait in Japanese culture, associated with continuous learning and self-improvement.

Related Words

Antonym: 傲慢(ごうまん) (arrogant)

Synonym: 腰(こし)が低(ひく)い (humble, unassuming (idiom))

Compare: 謙遜(けんそん) (modesty, humility)

Compare: 卑屈(ひくつ) (servile)

Related: 控(ひか)え目(め) (modest, restrained, reserved)

Compare: 尊大(そんだい) (haughty)

general

Added 2026.1.13 21:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:00

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