The Meaning of shitsuke [躾] In Japanese

躾
しつけ
Romaji: shitsuke N5

What does 躾 mean?

Translation and Meaning

discipline, upbringing, training, manners

Definition

What does 躾 mean? It denotes the practice of shaping behavior and manners through instruction and self-discipline, typically in parenting or etiquette contexts; it emphasizes guiding individuals to meet social norms.

Type

Noun; suru-verb (動詞) 躾ける (shitsukeru)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • discipline and training in upbringing or education
  • etiquette and good manners in social interaction
  • habit formation through correction and guidance

Composition

  • 躾 is a single character; there is no straightforward sub-kanji breakdown for this meaning; the concept is conveyed by the whole kanji rather than by decomposing it into parts

Usage

Used as a noun to denote the concept of upbringing and manners; in casual speech it refers to the training of children or animals, while in formal writing it may discuss social etiquette and personal discipline; the term appears with the noun form shitsuke and the verb 躾ける (shitsukeru).
💡 Tips
Shape-and-keep: imagine a tutor drawing lines that shape a child’s posture and daily manners, a mental cue for shitsuke.

Variations

  • discipline and upbringing — shitsuke
  • etiquette and manners — shitsuke
  • education or training context — kyōiku

Example Phrases

  • 今日は子どもの躾を丁寧に教えた。
    Kyou wa kodomo no shitsuke o teinei ni oshieta.
    Today I carefully taught my child how to behave.
    Lista:
    • 今日は (kyou wa) – today
    • 子どもの (kodomo no) – child’s
    • 躾を (shitsuke o) – upbringing/discipline
    • 丁寧に (teinei ni) – carefully
    • 教えた (oshieta) – taught
    躾 is a noun meaning ‘upbringing/discipline’; here it functions as the object of 教える in 「躾を教える」.
躾