1.
simple-minded, honestly foolish, straightforwardly earnest
Describes someone who is honest and sincere to the point of seeming naive or unsophisticated. Often implies a positive quality of earnest dedication without guile, though the character 愚 (foolish) adds a note of self-deprecation.
愚直に働く
to work with honest diligence
彼は愚直なまでに正直だ。
He is honest to the point of being simple-minded.
愚直に一つのことを続けてきた職人の姿に感動した。
I was moved by the craftsman who had earnestly dedicated himself to one thing.
ADJECTIVE TYPE: Na-adjective. Uses な before nouns: 愚直な性格.
ADVERBIAL FORM: 愚直に (with honest simplicity)
NUANCE: Despite containing 愚 (foolish), 愚直 is often used positively to describe admirable dedication and sincerity. It's frequently used self-deprecatingly or to praise someone's earnest effort.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 愚直に働く (to work earnestly)
- 愚直に続ける (to continue steadfastly)
- 愚直なまでに (to the point of being simplistic)
RELATED WORDS:
- 実直 (honest, sincere - more neutral)
- 朴訥 (simple, artless)
- 馬鹿正直 (foolishly honest)