Translation guide
Describes qualities associated with children, such as innocence, simplicity, or immaturity. The Japanese equivalent depends on whether the nuance is positive (innocent, pure) or negative (immature, naive).
To describe someone or something as having a pure, innocent, or naive charm like a child.
Means innocent, naive, or artless. Often used positively to describe a childlike purity or lack of guile.
I like her innocent smile.
Means pure and innocent, often used for a childlike heart or character. Slightly more literary than 無邪気.
He has a pure heart.
Describes a childlike innocence in appearance or behavior, often used for faces or expressions.
A girl with an innocent face.
Literally 'purity like a child's'. Used to emphasize the childlike quality of purity.
His paintings have a childlike purity.
To describe someone as immature, naive, or childish in a negative sense.
Means childish or immature, often used negatively. Can also mean 'kindergarten' in other contexts.
His way of thinking is childish.
Means childish or childlike, often with a negative nuance of immaturity. Can also be neutral depending on context.
Means immature or unripe, often used for skills or personality. More formal than 幼稚.
To describe something as simple, unsophisticated, or artless in a way that resembles a child's perspective.
無邪気 (innocent) is usually positive, while 幼稚 (childish) is negative. Use 無邪気 for pure, artless qualities and 幼稚 for immaturity or lack of sophistication.
Innocent smile vs childish behavior
The English word 'childlike' often carries a positive nuance, but direct translations like 子供のような may sound neutral or even negative depending on context. Choose the appropriate word based on the intended nuance.
Stop that childish attitude.
His judgment is still immature.
A letter written in a childlike handwriting.