〜的
-teki
By Nihongo PathUpdated
This form is also taught at JLPT N3, where it carries a different sense or register.
Meaning
-ic, -al, -like (turns a noun into a na-adjective)
〜的 attaches to (mostly Sino-Japanese) nouns to make な-adjectives: 積極的 (active), 経済的 (economic), 現実的 (realistic). It means "relating to / having the character of". 〜的な + noun, 〜的に + verb. In casual speech, 私的には (as for me) is a newer, informal use.
Everywhere, especially in writing and formal speech; it is one of the most productive suffixes. Some words are so common that they feel like ordinary adjectives (基本的, 具体的, 一般的).
Formation
V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
Noun + 的 (な-adjective)〜的な + Noun / 〜的に + Verb / 〜的だCommon: 積極的・消極的・具体的・基本的・一般的・現実的・伝統的・国際的Casual: 私的には (as for me), 気持ち的に (feeling-wise)
Visual diagram
経済
Sino-Japanese noun
- + 的だ経済的だis economical / economic
- + 的な経済的な理由economic reasons (before a noun)
- + 的に経済的に苦しいeconomically (before a predicate)
Natural examples
彼は積極的に意見を言う。
かれはせっきょくてきにいけんをいう。
He expresses his opinions actively.
的に before a verb: actively.
経済的な理由で留学をあきらめた。
けいざいてきなりゆうでりゅうがくをあきらめた。
I gave up studying abroad for economic reasons.
的な before a noun: economic reasons.
その計画は現実的ではない。
そのけいかくはげんじつてきではない。
That plan is not realistic.
的ではない: negative of a な-adjective.
もっと具体的に説明してください。
もっとぐたいてきにせつめいしてください。
Please explain more concretely.
具体的に: one of the most common uses.
この町には伝統的な建物が多く残っている。
このまちにはでんとうてきなたてものがおおくのこっている。
Many traditional buildings remain in this town.
伝統的な + noun.
Similar grammar and the difference
〜らしい
"Typical of"; attaches to native nouns as well (男らしい).
Casual '-ish'; 的 is formal and neutral. Compare side by side
Makes abstract nouns (-ness), not adjectives. Compare side by side
"-style" (appearance). Compare side by side
Common mistakes
- ✗
- 積極的の人
- ✓
- 積極的な人
- Why
- 的 makes a な-adjective; use な before nouns.
- ✗
- 積極的で意見を言う。(as an adverb)
- ✓
- 積極的に意見を言う。
- Why
- Use に for the adverbial form.
- ✗
- 日本的な人 (meaning 'a Japanese person')
- ✓
- 日本人
- Why
- 的 means 'Japanese-style / characteristic of Japan', not nationality.
Reading is always てき. Some 的 words have opposite pairs: 積極的 / 消極的, 主観的 / 客観的, 具体的 / 抽象的. 私的 (してき) means 'private', contrasting with 公的 (こうてき).
JLPT N2 tips
On the exam
- Questions test the conjugation: 的な before nouns, 的に before predicates.
- Vocabulary questions pair 的 words with their opposites; learn the pairs.
- Do not confuse 的 (character) with 性 (abstract quality) or 化 (change).
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜的 mean?
-ic, -al, -like (turns a noun into a na-adjective). 〜的 attaches to (mostly Sino-Japanese) nouns to make な-adjectives: 積極的 (active), 経済的 (economic), 現実的 (realistic). It means "relating to / having the character of". 〜的な + noun, 〜的に + verb. In casual speech, 私的には (as for me) is a newer, informal use.
How do you form 〜的?
Noun + 的 (な-adjective) / 〜的な + Noun / 〜的に + Verb / 〜的だ / Common: 積極的・消極的・具体的・基本的・一般的・現実的・伝統的・国際的 / Casual: 私的には (as for me), 気持ち的に (feeling-wise). V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
When is 〜的 used?
Everywhere, especially in writing and formal speech; it is one of the most productive suffixes. Some words are so common that they feel like ordinary adjectives (基本的, 具体的, 一般的).
What is the difference between 〜的 and 〜らしい?
"Typical of"; attaches to native nouns as well (男らしい).
What is the difference between 〜的 and 〜っぽい?
Casual '-ish'; 的 is formal and neutral.
What is a common mistake with 〜的?
Wrong: 積極的の人 Right: 積極的な人 的 makes a な-adjective; use な before nouns.
Quick check
彼女は会議でいつも（ ）意見を言う。