Translation guide
The English word 'meek' describes a gentle, quiet, and submissive nature. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you mean positive humility, negative weakness, or quiet obedience. Direct translations are rare; instead, use words for gentleness, reservedness, or compliance.
Describing a person who is gentle, modest, and not assertive in a positive, often admirable way. This is the most common nuance of 'meek' in modern English.
A somewhat formal adjective meaning gentle and mild-mannered. Often used for a calm, non-aggressive personality. Closest to the positive sense of 'meek'.
彼は柔和な性格で、誰とでも仲良くなれる。
He has a meek personality and can get along with anyone.
Means gentle and warm-hearted. Implies a calm, good-natured disposition. Suitable for describing someone who is meek in a kind, unassuming way.
温厚な人柄がにじみ出ている。
His meek and gentle nature shines through.
Literally 'reserved' or 'modest'. This is the most common and natural way to describe a meek person in everyday Japanese. It emphasizes not pushing oneself forward.
彼女は控えめで、自分の意見をあまり言わない。
She is meek and doesn't often voice her own opinions.
Means quiet, gentle, and well-behaved. Often used for children or pets, but can describe adults who are meek and unassuming. Slightly more about quietness than humility.
彼はおとなしい人だけど、芯は強い。
He's a meek person, but he has a strong core.
Describing a person who is excessively submissive, lacking spirit or courage, often in a pitiable way. This sense is less common but still used.
Means obedient and submissive. Can be neutral or negative depending on context. For 'meek' in the sense of being too willing to obey, this fits well.
彼は上司に従順すぎて、自分の意見を言えない。
He is too meek with his boss and can't express his own opinions.
Literally 'weak-spirited'. Describes someone who is timid, easily intimidated, or lacks assertiveness. A common way to express negative meekness.
A derogatory term for a spineless or cowardly person. Stronger than 'meek', but can be used in extreme cases. Use with caution.
This is quite insulting; only use when you want to emphasize contempt for someone's lack of courage.
Simply describing someone who is not loud or aggressive, without strong positive or negative judgment. Often used for first impressions.
As above, but here used in a neutral sense. It's the default word for a quiet, well-behaved person.
彼は大人しいけど、話してみると面白い。
He seems meek, but once you talk to him, he's interesting.
Means quiet and calm, often with a nuance of dignity. Suitable for describing a meek person who is also composed.
Referring to the Christian virtue of meekness (e.g., 'Blessed are the meek'). This is a specific cultural concept.
In biblical contexts, 'meek' is often translated as 柔和. It carries the sense of gentle strength under control.
柔和な者は幸いである。
Blessed are the meek.
Means humility or modesty. While not a direct translation, it captures the virtue of not being arrogant, which is related to religious meekness.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'meek' in all contexts. Using a dictionary gloss like 柔和 or 従順 without understanding the nuance can sound unnatural. Always consider whether you mean gentle, reserved, or submissive.
控えめ (hikaeme) emphasizes modesty and self-restraint, often in social situations. おとなしい (otonashii) emphasizes quietness and lack of aggression. For describing a person's character, 控えめ is closer to 'meek' as a personality trait, while おとなしい is more about demeanor.
彼女は控えめな微笑みを浮かべた。
She gave a meek smile.
彼は気が弱くて文句が言えなかった。
He was too meek to complain.
気が弱くて、いつも人に流されてしまう。
I'm so meek that I always get swept along by others.
あんな意気地なしに何ができるんだ。
What can such a meek, spineless person do?
物静かな女性が部屋の隅に座っていた。
A meek woman was sitting in the corner of the room.
謙遜な心を持ちなさい。
Have a meek and humble heart.