Translation and Meaning of: 形容詞 - keiyoushi

If you are studying Japanese, you may have come across the word 形容詞 (けいようし). It is fundamental to understanding how the language works, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, usage in everyday Japanese, and even some tips for memorizing it. Whether you are a beginner or someone who already knows a bit of the language, understanding 形容詞 is essential for building richer and more expressive sentences.

In addition to explaining what this word represents, let's see how it fits into Japanese grammar and why it is so important. If you've ever used Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you know that details like this make all the difference in learning. Shall we begin?

What does 形容詞 (けいようし) mean?

形容詞, read as "keiyoushi," is the Japanese word for "adjective." In grammar, it describes characteristics of nouns, such as color, size, or state. For example, in sentences like "the sky is blue" or "the food is hot," the words "blue" and "hot" are adjectives — that is, 形容詞 in Japanese.

Unlike Portuguese, Japanese adjectives have two main categories: i (い) adjectives and na (な) adjectives. This division is crucial because it affects how they conjugate and behave in sentences. While "あつい" (atsui – hot) ends with い and modifies directly, "しずかな" (shizuka na – quiet) requires the particle "な" before a noun.

How to use 形容詞 in everyday life

In everyday Japanese life, adjectives appear in both simple and complex situations. If you want to say that a dish is delicious, you use "おいしい" (oishii). If you are describing a busy place, you can say "にぎやかな" (nigiyaka na). The choice between い and な adjectives changes depending on the context, but both are equally common.

An interesting curiosity is that some adjectives, such as "きれい" (kirei – beautiful/clean), seem to end with い, but in fact, they are な adjectives. This can be confusing at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. One tip is to note these special cases and review them frequently.

Why is 形容詞 important in Japanese?

Understanding Japanese adjectives is essential because they go beyond mere description. In many expressions, they carry cultural nuances. For example, saying that something is "めずらしい" (mezurashii – rare) can imply that it is valuable or special. Similarly, "もったいない" (mottainai) conveys a sense of waste that is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

In addition, many adjectives appear in proverbs and formal language. Knowing how to conjugate them correctly helps you sound more natural in conversations. If you have watched animes or dramas, you may have noticed how characters use adjectives to express emotions intensely — another reason to master this aspect of the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

形容語 (Keiyōgo) - Words that describe or qualify nouns.
形容詞語 (Keiyōshigo) - Terms that refer to adjectives or qualities.
形容詞句 (Keiyōshiku) - Adjective phrases.
形容詞句動詞 (Keiyōshikudōshi) - Verbs related to adjectival phrases.
形容動詞 (Keiyōdōshi) - Adjectives that behave like verbs, often used to express states.
形容詞的 (Keiyōshiteki) - Of an adjectival nature.
形容的 (Keiyōteki) - Regarding qualities or descriptions.
同義語 (Dōgigo) - Words that have the same meaning, synonyms.
同義形容詞 (Dōgikeiyōshi) - Synonymous adjectives.