Meaning

Primary

Graceful

Alternatives

Modest, Gentle, Polite

Word Type

noun, な adjective

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Reading

しとやか
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

If you're trying to be graceful and polite you have to keep your secret sheep toe (しと) under wraps. You're kind of fond of your sheep toe (it's unique after all) but you're careful to hide it when you want to be all modest and gentle and all that.

Context

Context Sentences

カナエはとってもお淑やかな性格をしている。

Kanae has a very graceful personality.

母には淑やかさというものが足りない。

My mother lacks gentleness.

Kanji Composition