謙虚(けんきょ)な

けんきょな
na-adjective
humble; modest
personality
1. humble; modest; unassuming
Having or showing a modest attitude, not boastful or arrogant. A highly valued trait in Japanese culture.
彼(かれ)は謙虚(けんきょ)な人(ひと)だ。
He is a humble person.
謙虚(けんきょ)な態度(たいど)で話(はな)を聞(き)いた。
I listened with a humble attitude.
成功(せいこう)しても謙虚(けんきょ)でいることが大切(たいせつ)だと思(おも)う。
I think it's important to stay humble even after succeeding.

Composed of 謙(けん) (humility) + 虚(きょ) (empty, open). Describes someone who does not boast about their achievements and is open to learning from others. Humility (謙虚(けんきょ)さ) is considered one of the most important virtues in Japanese society.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 控(ひか)えめな: reserved, modest (more about holding back, less assertive)
  • 素直(すなお)な: obedient, straightforward (honest and open, not necessarily about humility)
  • 慎(つつし)ましい: modest, frugal (often about lifestyle or behavior)

Related Words

Compare: 控(ひか)えめな (reserved, modest)
Compare: 素直(すなお) (obedient, straightforward)
general
Added 2026.4.2 10:00 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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