大人しい
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Base i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Describes a person who is well-behaved, calm, or submissive.
Theme
In a classroom, User and their classmate Miyuki are talking about their new teacher's personality after the first lesson.
大人しい
おとなしい
obedient, docile, quiet
People & IdentityEmotions & Personality
Memory Hook
To remember 『大人しい』 (otonashii, 'obedient, docile, quiet'), think of a 'grown-up' (大人 otona) who is quiet and well-behaved — 'Otona-shi-i' sounds like 'adult-she' being calm.
Cultural Note
In Japanese culture, being 『大人しい』 (otonashii, 'obedient, docile, quiet') is often seen as a positive trait, especially for children or in social settings where harmony is valued. It describes someone who is gentle and doesn't cause trouble.
Forms
Base: 大人しいBase i-adjective form ending in 『い』. Describes a person who is well-behaved, calm, or submissive.
Negative: 大人しくないDrop 『い』 → add 『くない』 (kunai, negative) → 『大人しくない』 (otonashikunai).
Past: 大人しかったDrop 『い』 → add 『かった』 (katta, past) → 『大人しかった』 (otonashikatta).
Adverbial: 大人しくDrop 『い』 → add 『く』 (ku, adverbial) → 『大人しく』 (otonashiku).
Comparative: より大人しいComparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective.
Superlative: 一番大人しいSuperlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'number one / Most') + adjective.