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'.
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.
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.
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.
Describing a person who is excessively submissive, lacking spirit or courage, often in a pitiable way. This sense is less common but still used.
Simply describing someone who is not loud or aggressive, without strong positive or negative judgment. Often used for first impressions.
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.
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.
She gave a meek smile.
温厚な人柄がにじみ出ている。
His meek and gentle nature shines through.
She is meek and doesn't often voice her own opinions.
He's a meek person, but he has a strong core.
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.
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.
I'm so meek that I always get swept along by others.
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.
What can such a meek, spineless person do?
As above, but here used in a neutral sense. It's the default word for a quiet, well-behaved person.
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.
A meek woman was sitting in the corner of the room.
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.
Have a meek and humble heart.
He was too meek to complain.