Meaning and Usage
"謙虚" (けんきょ) means "modesty" or "humble" and is used to describe a person's attitude or behavior that is not arrogant or boastful. It is often used in formal or polite contexts to praise someone’s respectful and unassuming nature.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when talking about personality traits, especially in social or professional settings where humility is valued. For example, people might describe a successful person as "謙虚な人" to highlight their modesty despite achievements.
Collocations and Patterns
- 謙虚な態度 (けんきょなたいど): humble attitude, used to describe someone's demeanor.
- 謙虚に認める (けんきょにみとめる): humbly admit, often used when acknowledging mistakes or faults.
- 謙虚さを持つ (けんきょさをもつ): to have humility, emphasizing the possession of this quality.
Nuances and Tips
Using "謙虚" implies a positive evaluation of someone’s modesty, often contrasting with arrogance. It is a formal word, so it fits well in written language, speeches, or polite conversation. Avoid confusing "謙虚" with "控えめ" (ひかえめ), which also means modest but can imply being reserved or quiet rather than humble.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes use "謙虚" to describe simple shyness or quietness, but it specifically refers to humility and modesty in attitude, not just being reserved or silent.