謙虚(けんきょ)な

けんきょな
na-adjective
humble; modest
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:

  • 謙虚(けんきょ)な態度(たいど): humble attitude
  • 謙虚(けんきょ)な姿勢(しせい): humble stance/approach
  • 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
  • 謙虚(けんきょ)さ: humility (noun form)

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)
general
Added 2026.4.2 10:00
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