Translation and Meaning of: 馴れ馴れしい - narenareshii

The Japanese word 馴れ馴れしい (なれなれしい) may seem complicated at first glance, but its meaning is quite specific and useful in daily life. In this article, we will explore what it represents, how it is used in Japan, and why it is important to understand its cultural context. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese describe someone who acts with excessive familiarity, this is the right term.

In addition to explaining the meaning of 馴れ馴れしい, we will discuss its origin, practical examples, and even tips for memorizing it. If you study Japanese or have an interest in the country’s culture, understanding this expression can prevent embarrassing situations. After all, knowing when someone is being "overly familiar" makes all the difference in communication.

Meaning and usage of 馴れ馴れしい

馴れ馴れしい describes behavior that is overly familiar, such as when someone acts with intimacy without having enough closeness. Imagine a person who approaches a stranger with back pats or speaks informally in a situation that requires respect. This is the kind of attitude that the Japanese classify as なれなれしい.

The term carries a negative connotation, as in Japan, the balance between cordiality and social distance is valued. Using 馴れ馴れしい to criticize someone is common, but it also serves as a warning for foreigners who may inadvertently come across as intrusive. In work environments or with older individuals, avoiding this demeanor is essential.

Origin and structure of the word

The word 馴れ馴れしい comes from the verb 馴れる (なれる), which means "to get used to" or "to become familiar." The repetition of the kanji 馴れ intensifies the idea of excess, something like "too familiar." This construction is common in Japanese adjectives that express exaggeration, such as 忙しい (busy) and 忙忙しい (extremely busy).

The kanji 馴 consists of the radical 馬 (horse) and 川 (river), suggesting the idea of "taming" or "adapting." Historically, it was used for animals that became accustomed to humans, but over time took on a figurative meaning. The form なれなれしい emerged during the Edo period when social etiquette became even more strict in Japan.

Cultural context and care

In Japan, being 馴れ馴れしい is seen as a lack of manners, especially in hierarchical interactions. A subordinate treating their boss with too much informality or a foreigner hugging someone they barely know may be judged for it. Japanese culture prioritizes respect for social boundaries, and this word reflects that value.

On the other hand, among close friends or in informal contexts, the term does not apply. The problem lies in the break of social expectations. For Japanese language students, understanding 馴れ馴れしい helps to avoid misunderstandings. One tip is to observe how Japanese people greet each other and adjust your behavior according to the situation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 親しげ (Shitagige) - Friendly, responsible for conveying a sense of closeness.
• 手馴れた (Tenareta) - Skilled, experienced, especially in manual tasks.
• 手慣れた (Tenareta) - A synonym of 手馴れた implies skill and efficiency acquired through practice.
• 馴染みの (Najimi no) - Familiar refers to something or someone that is well-known.
• 手癖の良い (Tebuse no yoi) - Efficient habit in hand, skill.
• 手際の良い (Tegai no yoi) - Skill in executing tasks, especially with speed and efficiency.
• 慣れた (Nareta) - Used to indicates familiarity with something.
• 馴れた (Nareta) - Similar to 慣れた, it emphasizes a state of habit or familiarity.
• 慣れ親しんだ (Nare shitashinda) - To be very accustomed or familiar with something or someone.
• 慣れっこ (Narekko) - To be accustomed, familiar with a situation.
• 慣れっぽい (Nareppoi) - That tends to get used to quickly.
• 慣れた感じの (Nareta kanji no) - Feeling of being used to it, a familiar quality.

馴れ馴れしい

Romaji: narenareshii
Kana: なれなれしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: in an excessive family

Meaning in English: over-familiar

Definition: He is used to people and has a friendly attitude.

Example Sentences - (馴れ馴れしい) narenareshii

See below some example sentences:

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"