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懐っこい (なつっこい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
i-adjective
friendly ; affectionate ; amiable
Describes a person, especially a child or pet, who is naturally warm, approachable, and quick to become attached to others. Often used for someone who easily shows affection or is not shy.
この 猫ねこ は とても 懐なつ っこい から 、 誰だれ に で も すり 寄よ る 。
This cat is very affectionate, so it rubs against anyone.
Similar words 人ひと 懐なつ っこい Similar meaning but explicitly refers to being friendly toward people. 懐っこい can be used more broadly for animals or general warmth.
懐なつ く The verb form meaning 'to become attached to' or 'to warm up to someone'. 懐っこい is the adjective describing the quality of easily doing so.
Etymology Derived from the verb 懐く (なつく, 'to become attached') with the adjectival suffix っこい, which adds a sense of 'tending to' or 'having the quality of'. The exact historical development is uncertain, but it is a colloquial formation.
