素直 vs. 正直: What is The Difference Between Them?
Is it still difficult for you to explain the difference between 素直 and 正直? Although these words are one of the complicated words, they have clear differences. After figuring them out, why don’t you practice how to use them? Let me introduce what their differences are today!
素直(sunao)
Obedient (Honest)
“素直(sunao)” means “Obedient” and which has been used as the meaning of “doing, or willing to do, what you have been told to do by someone in authority”. The basic way to use it is “___は素直だ。(___ am/is/are obedient.)”, etc. For instance, “弟’おとうと’は素直だ。(My younger brother is obedient.)”, etc. The tips for using it is that 素直’すなお’ has been used as the meaning of “UNDOUBTEDLY DO WAHT SOMEONE TELL”, unlike “正直“. Everyone could use 素直’すなお’ as casual, polite and formal such as “弟は素直だよ。(My younger brother is obedient.)” as casual and “弟は素直です。(My younger brother is obedient.)” as polite and formal. Although some people use “素直” is used as the same meaning of “正直“, again basically “素直” means “Obedient”.




正直 (shoujiki)
Honest
“正直(shoujiki)” means “Honest” and which has been used as the meaning of “telling the truth or able to be trusted and not likely to steal, cheat, or lie”. The basic way to use it is “___は正直だ。(___ am/is/are honest.)”, etc. For instance, “弟は正直だ。(My younger brother is honest.)”, etc. The tips for using it is that “正直” has been used as the meaning of “TO TELL THE TRUTH”, unlike “素直“. Everyone could use “正直” as casual, polite and formal such as “弟は正直だよ。(My younger brother is honest.)” as casual and “弟は正直です。(My younger brother is honest.)” as polite and formal. So, some people are “正直, however, they are not sometimes “素直“.



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