Translation and Meaning of: 態度 - taido

If you have already studied Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 態度 (たいど). It appears in everyday conversations, in animes, and even in discussions about workplace behavior. But what exactly does this word mean and how is it used in the Japanese context? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

The meaning and origin of 態度 (たいど)

The word 態度 (たいど) can be translated as "attitude" or "behavior". It describes the way a person positions themselves in front of situations, either physically (posture) or emotionally (disposition). In Japan, this word is often used to assess someone's conduct in formal settings, such as schools and companies.

Etymologically, 態度 (taido) is composed of two kanji: 態 (tai), which means "form" or "condition," and 度 (do), which can be translated as "degree" or "measure." Together, they convey the idea of "measure of behavior," reinforcing the concept that attitudes can be observed and evaluated. This combination well reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on posture and respect in social interactions.

How and when to use 態度 in everyday life

In Japan, 態度 is a common word in contexts involving behavior evaluation. For example, a teacher might say to a student: 「態度を改めなさい」 (Change your attitude), if they are being disrespectful. Similarly, in companies, it is common to hear feedback such as 「彼の仕事に対する態度は立派だ」 (His attitude toward work is admirable).

It is worth noting that, although 態度 can be used in both positive and negative situations, it often appears in criticisms or guidance on how someone should behave. This happens because the Japanese place great value on social harmony, and an inappropriate attitude can be seen as a disruption of that balance.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 態度 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of scenes from animes or dramas where a character is reprimanded for their posture. Phrases like 「あの店員の態度は最悪だった」 (The attitude of that employee was terrible) also help to internalize the use of the word in real contexts.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 態, which appears in other words related to behavior, such as 状態 (state) and 態勢 (posture). Noticing these connections makes learning easier and avoids confusion. If you practice Japanese actively, try using 態度 in your sentences, such as 「彼女の態度はいつも冷静だ」 (Her attitude is always calm).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 姿勢 (shisei) - Posture, the way to position oneself.
• 振る舞い (furumai) - Behavior, way of acting.
• 行動 (koudou) - Action, way of acting.
• 言動 (gendou) - Words and actions, verbal and physical behavior.
• 姿 (sugata) - Appearance, shape, or figure.
• 態勢 (taisei) - State or condition, configuration.
• 態度作り (taidodzukuri) - Development of attitude, formation of a specific mental posture.
• 態度表明 (taidohyoubmei) - Statement of attitude, express personal position.
• 態度示す (taidoshimesu) - Show attitude, highlight a position or opinion.
• 態度良し (taidoyoshi) - Good attitude, positive attitude.
• 態度悪し (taidoashi) - Bad attitude, negative attitude.
• 態度改善 (taido kaizen) - Improvement of attitude, the process of becoming more positive.
• 態度変化 (taido henka) - Change of attitude, alteration in mental posture.
• 態度調整 (taido chousei) - Adjustment of attitude, adaptation of posture in the face of new circumstances.
• 態度向上 (taido koujou) - Increase in attitude, elevation of mental posture.
• 態度問題 (taido mondai) - Attitude problems, challenges related to someone's posture.
• 態度不良 (taido furyou) - Inappropriate attitude, improper posture.
• 態度正常化 (taido seijouka) - Normalization of attitude, process of adjusting posture.
• 態度改める (taido aratameru) - Review the attitude, change the mental posture.
• 態度改革 (taido kaikaku) - Attitude reform, a profound transformation in the way of acting or thinking.
• 態度矯正 (taido kyousei) - Correction of attitude, adjust inappropriate behaviors.
• 態度修正 (taido shuusei) - Correction of attitude, change to a more appropriate posture.

態度

Romaji: taido
Kana: たいど
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: attitude; manner

Meaning in English: attitude;manner

Definition: The way people express their thoughts and feelings.

Example Sentences - (態度) taido

See below some example sentences:

堂々とした態度で挑戦する。

Doudou to shita taido de chousen suru

Challenge with a confident attitude.

Challenge with a dignified attitude.

• 堂々とした - dignified, imposing
• 態度 - attitude
• で - particle that indicates medium, form
• 挑戦する - challenge, face

彼は強気な態度で話した。

Kare wa tsuyoki na taido de hanashita

He spoke with a strong attitude.

He spoke with an upbeat attitude.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 強気 - Japanese adjective meaning "confident" or "bold"
• な - Japanese particle used to modify an adjective
• 態度 - Japanese noun meaning "attitude"
• で - Japanese particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 話した - Japanese verb meaning "spoke" (past tense)

彼は馴れ馴れしい態度を取った。

Kare wa narenarenashii taido o totta

He adopted a familiar attitude.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 馴れ馴れしい - Japanese adjective meaning "familiar" or "intimate" in a negative sense, as something that is overly familiar or invasive
• 態度 - Japanese noun that means "attitude" or "behavior"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 取った - Japanese verb in the past that means "took" or "adopted"

謙虚な態度が大切です。

Kenkyo na taido ga taisetsu desu

A humble attitude is important.

A humble attitude is important.

• 謙虚な - humble
• 態度 - attitude
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

生意気な態度は許せない。

Seigi na taido wa yurusenai

Arrogance is not tolerated.

I cannot forgive a sassy attitude.

• 生意気な - adjective meaning "arrogant", "presumptuous".
• 態度 - noun meaning "attitude", "behavior".
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• 許せない - verb in the negative form meaning "cannot be allowed", "cannot be tolerated".

無礼な態度は許されない。

Burei na taido wa yurusarenai

Rude behavior is not allowed.

Unrivaled attitude is not allowed.

• 無礼な態度 - musabori na taido- rude behavior
• は - wa- Topic particle
• 許されない - untranslatable- not allowed, not tolerated

怠慢な態度は許されない。

Taiman na taido wa yurusarenai

The negligent attitude is not tolerated.

An insignificant attitude is not allowed.

• 怠慢 - negligence, laziness
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 態度 - attitude, behavior
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 許されない - Not allowed, not acceptable

彼女の態度は冷淡だった。

Kanojo no taido wa reitan datta

Her demeanor was cold and indifferent.

Her attitude was cold.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 態度 - attitude
• は - is
• 冷淡 - cold
• だった - was

彼は消極的な態度をとっている。

Kare wa shōkyokuteki na taido o totte iru

He is adopting a passive attitude.

He has a reluctant attitude.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 消極的な - Passive, negative
• 態度 - Attitude
• を - Direct object particle
• とっている - It's having

彼の態度はとても冷たいです。

Kare no taido wa totemo tsumetai desu

Your attitude is very cold.

• 彼の (kare no) - from him
• 態度 (taido) - attitude
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - "very"
• 冷たい (tsumetai) - cold
• です (desu) - polite way of "to be"