あどけない

あどけない
i-adjective
innocent; childlike; artless
1. innocent; childlike
Having an innocent, pure quality typically associated with young children; lacking worldliness or guile.
あどけない笑顔(えがお)の子供(こども)たちが遊(あそ)んでいた。
Children with innocent smiles were playing.
まだあどけない表情(ひょうじょう)が残(のこ)っている。
There's still an innocent expression remaining (on their face).
あどけない目(め)で見(み)つめられた。
I was gazed at with innocent eyes.

CONJUGATION:

  • あどけない → あどけなく (adverbial)
  • あどけない → あどけなくない (negative)
  • あどけない → あどけなかった (past)
  • あどけない → あどけなさ (noun form)

USAGE:
Typically describes children or young people, or adults who have retained a childlike quality. Often used positively to describe a pure, unspoiled quality.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • あどけない笑顔(えがお) (innocent smile)
  • あどけない表情(ひょうじょう) (innocent expression)
  • あどけない顔(かお) (innocent face)
  • あどけない寝顔(ねがお) (innocent sleeping face)

NUANCE:
Carries a warm, affectionate tone. Unlike 無邪気(むじゃき) (innocent/naive), あどけない specifically emphasizes the visual appearance of innocence.

Related Words

Related: 無邪気(むじゃき) (innocent/naive)
general
Added 2026.1.18 13:42 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06705_adokenai