Translation guide
Describes qualities associated with children, such as innocence, simplicity, or immaturity. The Japanese equivalent depends on whether the nuance is positive (innocent, pure) or negative (immature, naive).
To describe someone or something as having a pure, innocent, or naive charm like a child.
Means innocent, naive, or artless. Often used positively to describe a childlike purity or lack of guile.
彼女の無邪気な笑顔が好きだ。
I like her innocent smile.
Means pure and innocent, often used for a childlike heart or character. Slightly more literary than 無邪気.
彼は純真な心を持っている。
He has a pure heart.
Describes a childlike innocence in appearance or behavior, often used for faces or expressions.
あどけない顔つきの少女。
A girl with an innocent face.
Literally 'purity like a child's'. Used to emphasize the childlike quality of purity.
彼の絵には子供のような純粋さがある。
His paintings have a childlike purity.
To describe someone as immature, naive, or childish in a negative sense.
Means childish or immature, often used negatively. Can also mean 'kindergarten' in other contexts.
彼の考え方は幼稚だ。
His way of thinking is childish.
Means childish or childlike, often with a negative nuance of immaturity. Can also be neutral depending on context.
Means immature or unripe, often used for skills or personality. More formal than 幼稚.
彼の判断はまだ未熟だ。
His judgment is still immature.
To describe something as simple, unsophisticated, or artless in a way that resembles a child's perspective.
Means simple, naive, or unsophisticated. Often used for art, questions, or ideas that have a childlike simplicity.
彼の素朴な質問に答えるのは難しい。
It's hard to answer his simple, naive questions.
Also used for a simple, innocent charm, not just appearance.
無邪気 (innocent) is usually positive, while 幼稚 (childish) is negative. Use 無邪気 for pure, artless qualities and 幼稚 for immaturity or lack of sophistication.
無邪気な笑顔 (innocent smile) vs 幼稚な行動 (childish behavior)
Innocent smile vs childish behavior
The English word 'childlike' often carries a positive nuance, but direct translations like 子供のような may sound neutral or even negative depending on context. Choose the appropriate word based on the intended nuance.
そんな子供っぽい態度はやめなさい。
Stop that childish attitude.
あどけない筆跡で書かれた手紙。
A letter written in a childlike handwriting.