humble

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is けん. It has 17 strokes and relates to humility or modesty.
• Basic usage: 謙虚 is read けんきょ, and 謙遜 is read けんそん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 謙虚 and 謙遜
  • 謙虚 means humble. It describes a humble attitude or character that does not put oneself forward and remains open to others.
  • 成功しても彼は謙虚な態度を崩さなかった。 means “He remained humble even after achieving success.”
  • 謙遜 means modesty or humility. It refers to an act or expression of modesty, such as downplaying oneself when praised.
  • 褒められた彼は謙遜して首を横に振った。 means “When praised, he modestly shook his head.”