Translation guide
Describes a person or behavior that yields to authority, control, or the will of others. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and nouns that convey obedience, meekness, or compliance, with nuances ranging from positive humility to negative servility.
Describing a person who willingly follows orders or accepts domination, often in a hierarchical context.
The most common and neutral adjective for 'submissive' or 'obedient.' Used for people or animals that follow commands without resistance.
He is submissive to his boss.
A submissive dog is easy to train.
Means 'obedient' or 'docile,' but with a nuance of being naturally compliant and not stubborn. Often used for children or in positive contexts.
She apologized submissively (without resistance).
More formal and stronger, implying submission to authority or force. Often used in political or military contexts.
He is submissive to authority.
Describing a person who is timid, passive, or lacks assertiveness, often in social situations.
Describes a quiet, gentle, and unassertive person. Often used for someone who doesn't cause trouble or speak up.
He has a submissive (meek) personality.
Also used for meekness, but more about obedience than natural quietness.
She is submissive to her husband.
Means 'timid' or 'faint-hearted,' emphasizing lack of confidence rather than obedience.
To show a submissive (timid) attitude.
Referring to a person who takes the submissive role in a power-exchange relationship.
Abbreviation for 'masochist,' commonly used in Japanese to refer to the submissive partner in BDSM. Derived from 'masochism.'
He is submissive (a masochist).
Literally 'receiver,' used in BL/yaoi and sometimes in BDSM to denote the submissive or bottom partner.
He prefers the submissive role.
Short for 'submissive,' used in BDSM communities. Loanword from English.
Describing actions or demeanor that show submission, such as bowing, yielding, or not arguing.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'cannot hold one's head up,' i.e., being in a submissive position due to debt, obligation, or inferiority.
I am submissive to him (I can't stand up to him).
Onomatopoeic verb meaning to bow repeatedly or act obsequiously, often with a negative connotation of being overly submissive.
He is submissive (obsequious) to his boss.
Means 'obsequious' or 'servile,' with a strong negative nuance of lacking self-respect.
A submissive (servile) attitude is disliked.
従順 (juujun) emphasizes obedience to authority or rules, while 素直 (sunao) implies a natural, uncontrived willingness to comply, often seen as a positive trait. 素直 can also mean 'honest' or 'frank.'
Direct translations like 服従的 (fukujuuteki) can sound overly formal or military. In everyday conversation, use おとなしい (otonashii) for a meek person or 従順 (juujun) for obedient behavior.
She accepts herself as a submissive.