Translation guide
Describes someone, especially a child or pet, who acts properly, follows rules, and does not cause trouble. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean obedient, quiet, polite, or good-natured.
Describing a child or animal that listens, follows instructions, and doesn't cause trouble.
Commonly used for children and pets who are good, obedient, and well-behaved. Often used in praise.
うちの子はとてもお利口です。
My child is very well-behaved.
Wait here like a good boy/girl.
Literally 'has good manners'. Used for children and adults who behave politely, especially at the table or in public.
彼の子供たちは行儀がいい。
His children are well-behaved.
Means quiet, gentle, and well-behaved. Often used for children or pets that are calm and not rowdy.
この犬はおとなしいですね。
This dog is well-behaved, isn't it?
Describing someone who is courteous, follows social rules, and behaves properly in formal or public settings.
Means polite and well-mannered. Emphasizes proper etiquette and respect.
彼はとても礼儀正しい青年だ。
He is a very well-behaved young man.
Also used for adults, focusing on outward behavior and manners.
彼女はいつも行儀がいい。
She is always well-behaved.
Describing someone who is inherently good, kind, and unlikely to misbehave.
Means obedient, docile, and well-behaved in a natural, unforced way. Often used for children who are cooperative and not rebellious.
素直でいい子ですね。
What a well-behaved, good child.
Can also imply a gentle, well-behaved nature, not just quietness.
Describing behavior that is proper or controlled in a particular context, like a classroom or event.
Means 'is proper/well-behaved' in a general sense. Very common in spoken Japanese.
今日はちゃんとしていてえらいね。
You're being so well-behaved today, good job.
Means 'staying quiet and well-behaved'. Often used when someone is being patient or not causing trouble.
子供たちはおとなしくしている。
The children are being well-behaved.
お利口 (orikō) is often used for children and pets to mean 'good' in a cute or praising way. 行儀がいい (gyōgi ga ii) focuses on manners and etiquette, suitable for all ages. おとなしい (otonashii) emphasizes quietness and gentleness, not necessarily obedience.
良い子 (ii ko) means 'good child' but is more about being a good person in general, not specifically about behavior. For 'well-behaved', use お利口 or 行儀がいい.
おとなしい性格の子供
a child with a well-behaved disposition