element · plain

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 素 has 10 strokes and expresses an unadorned basis or an underlying quality.
• Basic usage: 素直 is read すなお, and 素人 is read しろうと.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Attitude and expertise
  • 素直に謝った means apologized openly.
  • 素直 also describes accepting a mistake or an explanation without stubborn resistance.
  • 修理には素人なので means because I am a layperson when it comes to repairs.
  • 素人 is someone without expertise or much experience in the relevant field.