中立的だ 30초 만에
- Meaning 'neutral' or 'impartial,' this word describes not taking sides in a conflict.
- It is a na-adjective used in formal contexts like news, law, and business.
- The kanji literally mean 'standing in the middle' (中 + 立).
- It differs from 'indifferent' because it implies an active, principled choice of fairness.
The term 中立的だ (chūritstuteki da) is a quintessential Japanese adjectival noun (na-adjective) that translates to "neutral" or "impartial." At its core, it describes a state of not taking sides, maintaining a position that is equidistant from opposing viewpoints or conflicting parties. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, this word carries a weight of professional integrity and emotional restraint. It is composed of three kanji characters: 中 meaning middle or center, 立 meaning to stand, and 的 which serves as a suffix to transform the concept into an attribute. Literally, it evokes the image of "standing in the middle."
- Etymological Nuance
- The concept of 'standing' (立) is crucial. Unlike being 'passive,' being 中立的 implies an active effort to remain centered. It is a deliberate choice of positioning within a social or political space.
- Social Harmony (Wa)
- In Japanese culture, remaining neutral is often a strategy to preserve 'Wa' (harmony). By not taking a side in a workplace dispute, one avoids creating enemies, though it requires a high level of diplomatic skill.
ニュース番組は、常に中立的な立場で情報を伝えるべきだ。
People use this word most frequently in formal contexts: journalism, legal proceedings, international relations, and corporate management. If a manager is mediating a conflict between two employees, they must remain chūritstuteki. In a scientific context, an experimenter must maintain a neutral attitude toward the data to avoid bias. It is less common in casual, emotional conversations among close friends where opinions are expected, but it might be used to describe someone who refuses to get involved in 'drama.'
彼はどちらの味方もせず、中立的だ。
- Political Context
- In geopolitics, 'neutrality' refers to a nation's policy of non-alignment. Japan's own constitutional history often involves debates about maintaining a neutral or pacifist stance in global conflicts.
Furthermore, the word implies a lack of prejudice. To be chūritstuteki is to be a 'blank slate' or a 'fair judge.' It is highly valued in the Japanese education system, where teachers are expected to present historical facts in a neutral manner, though this is often a subject of intense public debate. In modern tech, we also see this word used in 'Net Neutrality' (ネット中立性), showing its adaptability to new concepts of fairness and equal access.
Using 中立的だ correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a na-adjective. Unlike i-adjectives, it requires the copula 'da' or 'desu' to form a complete predicate. When modifying a noun, the 'da' changes to 'na'. When describing an action, it changes to 'ni'. This flexibility allows it to fit into complex sentence structures ranging from simple observations to academic critiques.
- Modifying Nouns
- Use [Word] + な + [Noun]. Common pairings include 'position' (立場), 'opinion' (意見), and 'observation' (観察). For example: 中立的な意見 (a neutral opinion).
審判は常に中立的な判断を求められる。
When you want to describe an action being done in a neutral way, you use the adverbial form. This is particularly useful in business settings where processes must be transparent and fair. If you are analyzing data, you must do it chūritstuteki-ni. This signals to your colleagues that you are not letting personal feelings cloud your professional output.
- Adverbial Usage
- Use [Word] + に + [Verb]. For example: 中立的に考える (to think neutrally), 中立的に扱う (to treat neutrally).
我々は事態を中立的に見守る必要がある。
In negative forms, you would say chūritstuteki dewa nai (not neutral). This is a strong critique in journalism or law. If a report is not neutral, it is seen as biased (偏向的 - henkōteki). Understanding the contrast between these two words is key for JLPT N2 and N1 levels. When discussing abstract concepts, Japanese speakers often use the particle 'to' to indicate a comparison: Aに対してもBに対しても中立的だ (Neutral toward both A and B).
The word 中立的だ is a staple of the Japanese media landscape. You will hear it almost daily if you watch NHK news or read major newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun or Yomiuri Shimbun. It is the gold standard for reporting. News anchors often emphasize that their reporting is chūritstuteki to maintain public trust. In political debates, moderators are frequently introduced as being in a neutral position to ensure a fair discussion.
- The Workplace
- In a Japanese office, if there is a 'momegoto' (trouble/dispute), a third party might be called in to be a 'chūritstuteki-na' observer. This helps resolve the issue without anyone losing 'face' (menboku).
「今回の議論では、私は中立的な立場で発言します。」
In legal dramas and detective shows (like 'Aibou'), the concept of neutrality is often a plot point. A prosecutor might be accused of not being chūritstuteki, or a witness might be praised for their neutral testimony. In sports, especially during the Olympics or high-stakes baseball games, commentators will discuss the neutrality of the umpires. If an umpire seems to favor the home team, the word fukōhei (unfair) is used, but the expectation is always chūritstuteki.
インターネットの中立性を守るための法整備が進んでいる。
Finally, in the world of academic research, peer reviewers are expected to be chūritstuteki. When you read a Japanese research paper, the 'Conclusion' or 'Discussion' section often addresses whether the study was conducted from a neutral perspective. If you are a student in Japan, your professors will likely grade you on your ability to present arguments chūritstuteki-ni before arriving at your own subjective conclusion.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 中立的だ is confusing it with being 'indifferent' or 'uninterested.' In English, if someone says "I'm neutral," it can sometimes mean "I don't care." However, in Japanese, chūritstuteki usually implies a conscious, principled decision to remain fair. If you simply don't care about a topic, the word mukanshin (無関心) or dōdemo ii (どうでもいい) is more appropriate.
- Confusing with 'Objective'
- Learners often swap 'chūritstuteki' with 'kyakkanteki' (objective). While they are related, 'objective' focuses on facts outside the self, while 'neutral' focuses on the lack of bias toward specific parties.
× 私はその映画に中立的だ。(I'm neutral about that movie.)
Another mistake is the grammatical particle choice. Because it's a na-adjective, beginners often forget the na when modifying nouns, saying *chūritstuteki hito* instead of chūritstuteki-na hito. Also, avoid using it to describe physical locations (like being in the middle of a room); for that, use mannaka (真ん中) or chūō (中央). Chūritstuteki is almost exclusively for stances, opinions, and roles.
○ 彼は中立的な立場で仲裁した。
Finally, be careful with the intensity. Calling someone chūritstuteki is usually a compliment in professional settings, but in a highly emotional personal argument, it can come across as cold or evasive. If your friend is crying and wants support, saying "I am being neutral" might be seen as a lack of empathy. In those cases, 'mikata' (being on someone's side) is the word they are looking for.
To master 中立的だ, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'fairness' and 'objectivity.' Japanese has several words that overlap, but each has a specific 'home' context. Choosing the right one will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.
- 客観的 (Kyakkanteki)
- Meaning: Objective. Use this when you are talking about looking at facts without personal feelings. It's about the 'object' (kyaku) rather than the 'subject' (shukan).
- 公平 (Kōhei)
- Meaning: Fair/Equitable. Use this when discussing the distribution of resources or the application of rules. A fair game is 'kōhei-na shiai.'
- 不偏不党 (Fuhen Futō)
- Meaning: Impartial and non-partisan. This is a four-kanji idiom (yojijukugo) often used in the mission statements of newspapers or the slogans of political watchdogs.
「彼は客観的なデータに基づいて、中立的な意見を述べた。」
When should you use chūritstuteki instead of kōhei? Use chūritstuteki when there are two clear sides (like a war or a divorce) and you are in the middle. Use kōhei when you are giving everyone an equal slice of the cake. If you are a judge, you must be both. If you are a scientist, you must be kyakkanteki.
In summary, chūritstuteki is the 'safe' professional word. It implies balance. If you want to emphasize that you aren't biased by your own history, you might use 'henken no nai' (without prejudice). But for most formal situations involving a conflict of interest, chūritstuteki is your best choice.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
Switzerland (Suisu) is often cited in Japanese textbooks as the prime example of an 'Eisei Chūritstukoku' (Permanently Neutral Country).
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'too'.
- Stress on 'ki' instead of the flat tone.
- Misplacing the 'n' in 'Chun-ritsu' (there is no 'n').
- Pronouncing 'teki' like 'techy'.
- Forgetting the vowel length on 'Chū'.
난이도
Kanji are common but 'teki' suffix grammar is B1 level.
Writing 'ritsu' and 'chū' is easy, but 'teki' requires practice.
Pronunciation is straightforward but long.
Very common in news broadcasts.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Na-adjective noun modification (~na)
中立的な立場
Adverbial formation (~ni)
中立的に考える
Noun formation (~sei)
中立性を保つ
Negative form (dewa nai/janai)
中立的ではない
Tentative/Hearsay (rashii/souda)
中立的らしい
수준별 예문
彼は中立的です。
He is neutral.
Simple predicate with 'desu'.
中立的な人はいいです。
Neutral people are good.
Na-adjective modifying a noun.
私は中立的だ。
I am neutral.
Informal use of 'da'.
中立的な色。
A neutral color.
Using the word for colors like grey.
先生は中立的でした。
The teacher was neutral.
Past tense of 'desu'.
どちらも選ばない。中立的だ。
I don't choose either. I'm neutral.
Short sentences for emphasis.
中立的な意見を聞く。
I listen to neutral opinions.
Direct object phrase.
それは中立的じゃない。
That's not neutral.
Negative form 'janai'.
このニュースは中立的だと思います。
I think this news is neutral.
Using 'to omoimasu' for opinion.
中立的な立場で話をしましょう。
Let's talk from a neutral standpoint.
The common phrase 'chūritstuteki-na tachiba'.
審判はいつも中立的でなければなりません。
Referees must always be neutral.
Must-be form 'nakereba narimasen'.
彼はどちらの友達の味方もしない、中立的な人だ。
He doesn't take either friend's side; he's a neutral person.
Relative clause style description.
中立的な意見を言うのは難しいです。
It is difficult to give a neutral opinion.
Gerund 'iu no wa'.
もっと中立的な言葉を使ってください。
Please use more neutral words.
Requesting an action with 'te kudasai'.
会議では、彼は中立的に振る舞った。
In the meeting, he acted neutrally.
Adverbial form 'ni'.
それは中立的な判断ではありませんでした。
That was not a neutral judgment.
Formal past negative.
メディアは常に中立的な報道を心がけるべきだ。
The media should always aim for neutral reporting.
Using 'beki da' for obligation.
どちらが正しいか、中立的に考えてみよう。
Let's try to think neutrally about which one is right.
Volitional form 'temiyō'.
彼の態度は一見中立的だが、実は偏っている。
His attitude seems neutral at first glance, but actually it's biased.
Contrast using 'daga'.
第三者として、中立的な立場を守るつもりだ。
As a third party, I intend to maintain a neutral position.
Intention with 'tsumori da'.
その報告書は、とても中立的に書かれている。
That report is written very neutrally.
Passive form 'kakarete iru'.
中立的な視点から問題を見直す必要がある。
We need to re-examine the problem from a neutral perspective.
Noun 'shiten' (perspective).
彼女は中立的なアドバイスをくれた。
She gave me some neutral advice.
Benefactive 'kureta'.
科学者は中立的であるべきだと言われている。
It is said that scientists should be neutral.
Hearsay form 'to iwarete iru'.
この紛争において、わが国は中立的な立場を維持している。
Our country is maintaining a neutral position in this conflict.
Formal verb 'ijisuru'.
中立的な立場を貫くことは、想像以上に困難だ。
Maintaining a neutral stance is more difficult than one would imagine.
Verb 'tsuranuku' (to persist).
委員会のメンバーは、中立的な専門家で構成されている。
The committee members consist of neutral experts.
Passive structure 'kōsei sarete iru'.
中立的な立場を装っているが、明らかに利益誘導が見られる。
They are pretending to be neutral, but there is clear evidence of self-interest.
Verb 'yosō' (to pretend).
感情を排して、中立的に事実のみを述べてください。
Please set aside your emotions and state only the facts neutrally.
Te-form for instruction.
ネット中立性の議論は、通信の自由に関わる重要な課題だ。
The debate over net neutrality is an important issue related to freedom of communication.
Compound noun 'netto chūritstusei'.
どちらの陣営にも属さない、中立的な立場を表明した。
He declared a neutral stance, not belonging to either camp.
Verb 'hyōmei suru' (to declare).
その判決は、非常に中立的で公平なものだった。
The verdict was extremely neutral and fair.
Using 'mono' to nominalize the quality.
学術的な議論においては、中立的な価値判断が不可欠である。
In academic discussions, neutral value judgments are indispensable.
Formal adjective 'fukaketsu'.
情報の洪水の中で、中立的な情報源を見極めるのは至難の業だ。
In the flood of information, discerning neutral sources is a Herculean task.
Idiom 'shinan no waza'.
彼は中立的な立場を標榜しているが、その資金源には疑問が残る。
He advocates for a neutral stance, but questions remain about his funding sources.
Verb 'hyōbō suru' (to advocate/profess).
真に中立的な視点など存在し得ないという意見もある。
There is an opinion that a truly neutral perspective cannot exist.
Potential form 'shi-enai'.
歴史教科書は、特定の政治思想に偏らず中立的であるべきだ。
History textbooks should be neutral and not biased toward any specific political ideology.
Negative 'zu' form for 'without'.
仲裁者は、両者の主張を中立的に吟味しなければならない。
The mediator must neutrally scrutinize the claims of both parties.
Verb 'ginmi suru' (to scrutinize).
その組織は、政治的に中立的な慈善団体として知られている。
The organization is known as a politically neutral charity.
Adverbial 'seijiteki-ni'.
中立的な態度を保つことが、かえって事態を悪化させることもある。
Maintaining a neutral attitude can sometimes actually worsen the situation.
Adverb 'kaette' (on the contrary).
永世中立国としての地位を確立するためには、強固な外交力が必要だ。
Establishing status as a permanently neutral state requires robust diplomatic power.
Compound 'eisei chūritstusei'.
言説の背後にある意図を剥ぎ取ったとしても、純粋に中立的な言説は稀有である。
Even if intentions behind discourse are stripped away, purely neutral discourse is rare.
Concessive form 'toshitemo'.
彼は中立的なオブザーバーの皮を被った、巧妙な扇動者だった。
He was a clever instigator wearing the skin of a neutral observer.
Metaphorical 'kawa o kabutta'.
法の支配の下では、裁判官は主観を排し、冷徹なまでに中立的でなければならない。
Under the rule of law, judges must eliminate subjectivity and be neutral to the point of being cold-headed.
Degree marker 'made ni'.
中立的な立場を堅持することが、必ずしも正義に繋がるとは限らない。
Strictly adhering to a neutral stance does not necessarily lead to justice.
Negative certainty 'towa kagiranai'.
AIのアルゴリズムが中立的であるか否かは、現代社会の大きな論争点だ。
Whether AI algorithms are neutral or not is a major point of contention in modern society.
Alternative 'ka inaka'.
紛争当事国間の橋渡し役として、絶対的な中立性が求められている。
Absolute neutrality is required as a bridge-builder between conflicting nations.
Passive requirement 'motomerarete iru'.
中立的な記述を追求するあまり、文章から生命力が失われてしまった。
In the excessive pursuit of neutral description, the writing lost its vitality.
Excessive 'amari'.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— From a neutral standpoint. Used to preface an opinion.
中立的な立場で言わせてもらえば...
— To maintain neutrality. Used in conflicts.
彼は最後まで中立を守った。
— To declare neutrality. Often used by countries.
その国は中立を宣言した。
— A neutral third party. Used in mediation.
中立的な第三者に依頼する。
— To place oneself in a neutral position.
あえて中立的な立場に身を置く。
— To have one's neutrality questioned.
彼の発言は中立を疑われた。
— A neutral attitude.
彼女は常に中立的な態度だ。
— To evaluate neutrally.
業績を中立的に評価する。
— High level of neutrality.
このデータは中立性が高い。
— To lack neutrality.
その記事は中立を欠いている。
관용어 및 표현
— Impartial and non-partisan. Often seen in journalism.
不偏不党の精神で報道する。
Formal— Fair and selfless. Acting without personal gain.
公平無私の心で裁く。
Literary— Literally 'neither right nor left'. Avoiding political extremes.
右も左も関係なく中立だ。
Colloquial— Not being anyone's ally.
私はどっちの味方でもないよ。
Casual— Watching from a safe distance (can imply cold neutrality).
彼は高みの見物で中立を装っている。
Idiomatic— Both parties in a quarrel are to be punished (medieval neutrality).
喧嘩両成敗の原則。
Historical— To draw a line (to separate oneself from bias).
政治とは一線を画す中立な立場。
Formal— Not deciding black or white (remaining gray/neutral).
あえて白黒つけず中立でいる。
Common— Being caught in the middle (forced neutrality).
板挟みになって中立でいるしかない。
Common— Trying to please everyone (negative neutrality).
八方美人のような中立さは嫌われる。
Negative어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'CHOO-RITSU' as 'Choose to Sit' in the middle. You stand (ritsu) in the middle (chū).
시각적 연상
Imagine a person standing exactly on the 50-yard line of a football field while both teams argue around them.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to describe a recent news event using 'chūritstuteki-na' without saying who was right or wrong.
어원
Sino-Japanese (Kango). The word was used in classical Chinese but became prominent in Japan during the Meiji era to translate Western legal and political concepts.
원래 의미: To stand in the middle without leaning.
Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).문화적 맥락
Be careful not to sound 'indifferent' (mukanshin) when you mean 'neutral' (chūritstuteki).
In the US/UK, 'neutral' can sometimes imply being 'lukewarm,' whereas in Japan, it is almost always a positive professional attribute.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
News/Journalism
- 中立的な報道
- 不偏不党の精神
- 事実を中立に伝える
- メディアの中立性
Legal/Court
- 中立的な判断
- 公平な審理
- 中立的な第三者
- 証言の中立性
Workplace Mediation
- 中立的な立場で聞く
- どちらの味方もしない
- 公平に評価する
- 中立を保つ
Academic Research
- 中立的な視点
- 客観的な分析
- バイアスの排除
- 中立的な記述
International Politics
- 中立国
- 中立を宣言する
- 非同盟
- 中立政策
대화 시작하기
"あなたは、この問題について中立的な立場ですか？"
"中立的な意見を聞きたいのですが、どう思いますか？"
"メディアは本当に中立的だと思いますか？"
"友達の喧嘩で中立を守るのは難しいですよね？"
"仕事で中立的な判断をするために、何を気をつけていますか？"
일기 주제
最近、中立的な立場で物事を見たことがありますか？その時の状況を書いてください。
中立的であることのメリットとデメリットは何だと思いますか？
あなたはニュースを見る時、その情報が中立的かどうか、どうやって判断しますか？
「中立」と「無関心」の違いについて、あなたの考えを日本語で説明してください。
もしあなたが紛争の仲裁者だったら、どのように中立性を保ちますか？
Summary
中立的だ (Chūritstuteki da) is the essential word for professional impartiality. Use it when you need to describe a fair stance in a debate or conflict, such as '中立的な立場' (a neutral position).
- Meaning 'neutral' or 'impartial,' this word describes not taking sides in a conflict.
- It is a na-adjective used in formal contexts like news, law, and business.
- The kanji literally mean 'standing in the middle' (中 + 立).
- It differs from 'indifferent' because it implies an active, principled choice of fairness.
관련 콘텐츠
academic 관련 단어
絶対的
B2절대적; 다른 것과 비교되지 않고 그 자체로 독립되어 있는 상태. 무조건적이고 완전한 상태.
絶対的に
B1절대적으로. 다른 것과 비교할 수 없을 정도로 완벽하거나 확실한 상태.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2물리적 실체나 구체적인 존재 없이 생각이나 개념으로만 존재하는 것을 의미합니다. 특정 세부 사항에서 벗어나 사물의 본질을 일반화하거나 추출하는 것을 가리킵니다. (추상 미술이 일반적인 예입니다.)
抽象的に
B1추상적이거나 이론적인 방식으로. 구체적인 사물이 아닌 아이디어나 개념에 사용됩니다.
学術的な
B1학문이나 학술에 관한 모양. 대학이나 연구 기관에서의 전문적인 연구나 이론에 관련된 것.
学術的だ
B1학술적; 학문이나 기술에 관한 것. 이 논문은 학술적으로 가치가 있다.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1학술. 학문과 연구 등 지적인 탐구와 체계적인 학습의 세계.
学力
B1학력은 학교 교육을 통해 얻은 지식이나 능력을 의미합니다.
