Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Humility" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "humility", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
謙虚
けんきょ (kenkyo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
謙譲
けんじょう (kenjō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "humility" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 謙虚 and 謙譲.
In Japanese, 謙虚 (けんきょ (kenkyo)) is typically associated with "humility; modesty" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being humble, modest, or receptive without being arrogant. Often used as 謙虚な態度.
On the other hand, 謙譲 (けんじょう (kenjō)) maps to "humility, modesty, self-abasement (in language)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 自分をへりくだり、相手を立てる態度や言葉遣いを指します。特に日本語では「謙譲語」として、敬語表現の一種であり、相手への敬意を示す重要な方法です。. A literal translation of "humility" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "謙虚"
どれだけ成功しても、常に謙虚な態度を忘れてはいけません。
No matter how much you succeed, you must never forget a humble attitude.
Bilingual Context for "謙譲"
彼は常に謙譲の姿勢を崩さない。
He always maintains an attitude of humility.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "どれだけ成功しても、常に ＿＿＿ な態度を忘れてはいけません。" (Meaning: "No matter how much you succeed, you must never forget a humble attitude.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "謙虚" fits here because it means "humility; modesty" in the context of: "No matter how much you succeed, you must never forget a humble attitude.". "謙譲" represents "humility, modesty, self-abasement (in language)".