生き直すぐ

Meanings

Describes a child or pet that is calm, follows rules, and does not cause trouble. Often used in the negative form きすぐじゃない to mean 'naughty' or 'misbehaving'.

今日きょうは子こ供どもたちがきすぐにしている。
The children are being well-behaved today.
この犬いぬはとてもきすぐで、言いうことをよく聞きく。
This dog is very obedient and listens well.

Kanji

生life, genuine, birth
直straightaway, honesty, frankness

Related words

おとなしい
おとなしい means 'quiet, gentle, docile' and focuses on a calm, unobtrusive nature. きすぐ emphasizes active obedience and good behavior, often in contrast to being naughty.
行ぎょう儀ぎがいい
行儀がいい is a phrase meaning 'well-mannered' or 'polite', often used for behavior at the table or in formal settings. きすぐ is a simpler, more colloquial term for general good behavior.

Built from

生き+すぐ

Written forms

生き直すぐ
Rare kanji spelling; the word is almost always written in kana.
きすぐUsage100%
Standard kana spelling for this word.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain. The kanji 生 (pure, raw) and 直 (straight, direct) may suggest an original meaning of 'straightforward and unspoiled', but the word is now used almost exclusively in kana.