When learning Japanese, one of the most fascinating aspects is how to describe people’s personalities. The language offers a rich palette of adjectives that can help you convey very nuanced traits. Understanding these descriptors not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives you deeper insight into the culture and how certain traits are perceived.
やさしい (Yasashii) translates to “kind” or “gentle”. This adjective is commonly used to describe someone who is considerate and shows care towards others.
彼はとてもやさしい人です。
おもしろい (Omoshiroi) means “interesting” or “funny”. It can be used to describe both situations and people who are entertaining or amusing.
彼女の話はいつもおもしろい。
まじめ (Majime) means “serious” or “diligent”. This adjective is often used for someone who is earnest and who takes their responsibilities seriously.
彼はとてもまじめな学生です。
しんせつ (Shinsetsu) means “kind” or “nice”. Similar to やさしい, it’s used to describe someone who is thoughtful and considerate.
彼女はいつもしんせつにしてくれます。
れいせい (Reisei) translates to “calm” or “composed”. This adjective is perfect for someone who doesn’t easily lose their cool.
彼はいつもれいせいです。
おちついている (Ochitsuiteiru) means “calm” or “settled”. It’s used to describe someone who is not easily flustered.
彼女はいつもおちついています。
なまいき (Namaiki) means “cheeky” or “impudent”. This is used to describe someone who is perhaps too confident in a way that can be seen as disrespectful.
その学生は少しナマイキです。
わがまま (Wagamama) means “selfish”. It’s used for people who think about themselves first and foremost and often disregard others.
彼はわがままなときがあります。
せっかち (Sekkachi) means “impatient”. It describes someone who cannot wait or wants things done quickly.
彼女はせっかちな性格です。
ようき (Youki) translates to “cheerful”. It’s a positive adjective for someone who is always in a good mood.
彼はいつもようきです。
がんこ (Ganko) means “stubborn”. This is used to describe someone who rarely changes their mind or is hard to convince.
彼はがんこな性格をしています。
おとなしい (Otonashii) means “quiet” or “docile”. It refers to someone who tends not to speak much and prefers not to draw attention.
彼女はおとなしいです。
きれいずき (Kireizuki) means “neat” or “tidy”. This is used to describe someone who likes to keep things clean and in order.
彼女はとてもきれいずきです。
さびしがりや (Sabishigariya) means “lonely” or “clingy”. This describes someone who does not like being alone.
彼はさびしがりやです。
たのしい (Tanoshii) means “enjoyable” or “fun”. It describes someone or something that brings joy and pleasure.
彼といるといつもたのしいです。
うるさい (Urusai) translates to “loud” or “noisy”. It can also mean “annoying” in informal contexts.
彼はうるさいですね。
ねっしん (Nesshin) means “enthusiastic” or “passionate”. It describes someone who is very dedicated to their interests or work.
彼女は勉強にねっしんです。
These adjectives offer just a glimpse into the rich descriptive capabilities of the Japanese language when it comes to characterizing personality. By learning these words, you can start to express more complex ideas about people’s natures and behaviors, both in speaking and understanding conversations. This depth of vocabulary not only enhances your language skills but also helps you to better navigate social interactions in Japanese.
