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B1 adjective #1,000 most common 17 min read

社会的

shakaiteki Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 社会的 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 社会的 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '社会的' (shakaiteki) very often. It is a big, formal word. However, it is good to know that it means 'social.' Think of it as a word that describes things that involve 'everyone' or 'the whole country.' For example, a 'social problem' is a problem for everyone. At this level, you can just remember that 'shakai' means 'society' or 'the group of people living together.' If you see this word in a book, just think: 'This is about the big world, not just one person.' You might see it in simple news headlines. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet. Focus on simpler words like 'tomodachi' (friend) or 'hito' (person). But if you hear someone say 'shakaiteki,' know they are talking about something serious that affects many people.

At the A2 level, you are starting to read more complex sentences. You might see '社会的' (shakaiteki) in short articles about Japan or in your textbook. It is a 'Na-adjective,' which means you add 'na' before a noun. For example, 'shakaiteki na mondai' means 'a social problem.' You can use this word when you want to talk about big topics like the environment or the news. It is different from 'shakouteki,' which describes a friendly person. Remember: 'shakaiteki' is for big things like 'society,' and 'shakouteki' is for 'friends.' You might use it in a simple sentence like 'Kore wa shakaiteki na mondai desu' (This is a social problem). This makes your Japanese sound more mature and serious. It shows you are interested in what is happening in the world, not just your own life.

At the B1 level, '社会的' (shakaiteki) becomes a very useful word. You are now expected to discuss your opinions on social issues, work, and culture. You should use 'shakaiteki' to describe things like 'social status' (shakaiteki chi-i) or 'social responsibility' (shakaiteki sekinin). For example, when talking about your job, you might say 'I want to make a social contribution' (shakaiteki na kouken o shitai). You should also learn the adverb form 'shakaiteki ni,' which means 'socially.' You can use it to say things like 'This is socially accepted' (shakaiteki ni mitomerarete iru). At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'shakaiteki' from 'koukyou' (public) and 'sekenteki' (public eye). This word will help you participate in more formal conversations and understand news broadcasts more clearly. It is a key word for moving from daily conversation to professional or academic Japanese.

At the B2 level, you should use '社会的' (shakaiteki) with precision and variety. You will encounter it in complex collocations like 'shakaiteki in-fura' (social infrastructure) or 'shakaiteki jakusha' (the socially vulnerable). You should be able to use it to analyze problems in detail. For example, you might discuss the 'shakaiteki haikei' (social background) of a historical event or a modern trend. You should also be comfortable using it in the negative, such as 'shakaiteki koritsu' (social isolation). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance it brings to a sentence—it frames a topic as a systemic issue rather than an individual one. You should be able to write essays using this word to structure your arguments, moving between 'kojin-teki' (individual) and 'shakaiteki' (societal) perspectives to show a balanced view. Your ability to use this word correctly in debates will significantly increase your perceived fluency.

At the C1 level, '社会的' (shakaiteki) is a tool for deep academic and professional analysis. You should understand its historical context in Japan, particularly how it was used to translate Western concepts during the Meiji era. You will use it in highly specific terms like 'shakaiteki chitsujo' (social order), 'shakaiteki kihan' (social norms), and 'shakaiteki seigi' (social justice). You should be able to discuss the 'shakaiteki igi' (social significance) of complex scientific discoveries or philosophical ideas. At this level, you should also be aware of how 'shakaiteki' interacts with other academic terms, such as 'keizaiteki' (economic) to form 'shakai-keizaiteki' (socio-economic). You should be able to critique the use of the word in media and politics, recognizing when it is being used to lend authority to an argument. Your use of the word should be flawless, reflecting a deep understanding of Japanese societal structures and values.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over '社会的' (shakaiteki) and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can use it to navigate the most complex sociopolitical discussions with the nuance of a native speaker. You understand the subtle interplay between 'shakaiteki' and 'sekenteki,' and how these concepts reflect the dual nature of Japanese society (the formal, modern structure vs. the traditional, community-based public eye). You can use the word in creative or rhetorical ways, perhaps questioning what truly constitutes a 'shakaiteki na mondai' in a rapidly changing digital world. You are comfortable reading and writing high-level academic papers or legal documents where this word is used with extreme technicality. Your command of 'shakaiteki' allows you to express sophisticated thoughts on the human condition, the evolution of communities, and the future of global society in fluent, natural Japanese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

社会的 in 30 Seconds

Means 'social' or 'societal' in a formal, systemic sense.
Used for issues, status, and responsibility, not for being 'friendly'.
A Na-adjective that requires 'na' before nouns (e.g., 社会的な問題).
Common in news, business, and academic Japanese contexts.

The Japanese word 社会的 (shakaiteki) is a fundamental Na-adjective that translates primarily to 'social' or 'societal' in English. It is composed of three kanji characters: 社 (sha) meaning company or assembly, 会 (kai) meaning meeting or association, and the suffix 的 (teki), which functions similarly to the English suffixes '-al', '-ic', or '-ive', transforming a noun into an adjective. When we look at the term shakai (society), it refers to the organized group of people living together in a community. Therefore, shakaiteki describes anything that pertains to the structures, problems, norms, or status within that community. It is a word that carries significant weight in Japanese discourse, often appearing in news reports, academic papers, and formal discussions about the state of the nation or the world.

Core Meaning: Relating to the collective body of individuals living together in a community; societal rather than individual.

Understanding the nuance of shakaiteki requires distinguishing it from its close relative, shakouteki (社交的). While shakaiteki refers to the broad concept of society and its systems, shakouteki refers to an individual's personality—specifically, being 'sociable' or 'outgoing'. If you want to talk about 'social issues' like poverty or inequality, you must use shakaiteki. If you want to describe a friend who loves parties, you use shakouteki. This distinction is a common hurdle for English speakers because the single word 'social' covers both meanings in English.

現代の日本には、解決すべき多くの社会的な課題があります。(Gendai no Nihon ni wa, kaiketsu subeki ooku no shakaiteki na kadai ga arimasu.)
In modern Japan, there are many social issues that need to be resolved.

In a professional context, shakaiteki is frequently paired with nouns to create compound concepts. For instance, shakaiteki chi-i (社会的地位) refers to one's social status or standing. This is a crucial concept in Japanese culture, where hierarchy and one's position within the group are highly valued. Similarly, shakaiteki sekinin (社会的責任) refers to social responsibility, often used in the phrase 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR). These terms are not just vocabulary words; they represent the pillars of Japanese social ethics, emphasizing that an individual or a company does not exist in a vacuum but is part of a larger, interconnected web.

Historically, the word shakai was popularized during the Meiji era as a translation for the Western concept of 'society'. Before this, Japanese people thought more in terms of 'the world' (seken) or 'the nation' (kuni). The adoption of shakaiteki allowed for a more abstract and scientific analysis of human interaction. Today, it is used to discuss everything from 'social distancing' (shakaiteki kyor) during a pandemic to 'social contribution' (shakaiteki kouken). It is a versatile tool for any speaker looking to engage with Japanese culture at a deeper, more analytical level.

彼は高い社会的地位を築いた。(Kare wa takai shakaiteki chi-i o kizuita.)
He built a high social status.

Usage Context: Used in news, politics, sociology, business, and formal debates. Rarely used in casual 'hanging out' contexts.

When discussing the impact of technology, you might hear about shakaiteki eikyou (social impact). This refers to how a new app or a change in law affects the way people live together. It is a macro-level word. If you are talking about how you personally feel in a group, you might use different words, but if you are talking about the 'social phenomenon' (shakaiteki genshou) of people using smartphones, shakaiteki is the correct choice. It elevates the conversation from the personal to the structural.

このニュースは社会的な関心を集めている。(Kono nyuusu wa shakaiteki na kanshin o atsumete iru.)
This news is garnering social interest (interest from society).

Finally, consider the phrase shakaiteki jakusha (社会的弱者), which refers to the 'socially vulnerable' or 'underprivileged'. This term is frequently used in social work and government policy. It demonstrates how shakaiteki is used to categorize groups within the larger structure. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to discuss complex topics such as justice, economics, and human rights in Japanese, moving beyond basic daily survival Japanese into the realm of meaningful intellectual exchange.

企業には社会的な責任がある。(Kigyou ni wa shakaiteki na sekinin ga aru.)
Companies have a social responsibility.

Antonym Hint: The opposite is often 'kojin-teki' (individual) or 'shiteki' (private).

それは個人の問題ではなく、社会的な問題だ。(Sore wa kojin no mondai de wa naku, shakaiteki na mondai da.)
That is not an individual problem, but a social one.

Using 社会的 (shakaiteki) correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical role as a Na-adjective. This means that when it modifies a noun, it must be followed by na. When it is used at the end of a sentence to describe a subject, it is followed by da or desu. Because it is a formal and abstract word, the surrounding grammar often reflects a polite or literary register. You will rarely see it used with very casual slang, as the topics it describes—society, status, and responsibility—are inherently serious.

Attributive Use (Adjective + Noun): 社会的 + な + Noun. Example: 社会的な背景 (Social background).

One of the most common ways to use shakaiteki is to describe 'social problems' (社会的な問題 - shakaiteki na mondai). This phrase is a staple of Japanese news. For example, 'The aging population is a serious social problem' would be Koureika wa shinkoku na shakaiteki na mondai desu. Notice how the adjective provides a scope for the problem; it isn't just a personal problem or a family problem, but one that affects the entire community. This scope-setting function is the primary reason to use shakaiteki.

格差の拡大は、深刻な社会的な問題となっている。(Kakusa no kakudai wa, shinkoku na shakaiteki na mondai to natte iru.)
The widening gap (between rich and poor) is becoming a serious social issue.

Another frequent usage involves the word 'status' or 'position' (地位 - chi-i). In Japan, your shakaiteki chi-i is determined by your job, your education, and your contributions to society. A sentence like 'He has a high social status' (Kare wa takai shakaiteki chi-i o motte iru) is a common way to describe someone's standing. You can also use it to describe the 'social significance' of an event or discovery: shakaiteki na igi. This implies that the event matters to the public at large, not just to a small group of specialists.

その研究は、非常に高い社会的な意義がある。(Sono kenkyuu wa, hijou ni takai shakaiteki na igi ga aru.)
That research has very high social significance.

The adverbial form shakaiteki ni is extremely useful. It allows you to say things like 'Socially speaking...' or 'In a social sense...'. For instance, if you want to say 'That behavior is not socially acceptable', you would say Sono furumai wa shakaiteki ni yurusarenai. This construction is very common in debates about ethics and manners. It shifts the focus from 'I don't like it' to 'Society as a whole does not accept it', which is a much stronger and more objective argument in Japanese culture.

彼は社会的に成功したと言える。(Kare wa shakaiteki ni seikou shita to ieru.)
It can be said that he succeeded socially (in the eyes of society).

Common Collocations: 社会的背景 (Background), 社会的距離 (Distance), 社会的制裁 (Sanctions), 社会的貢献 (Contribution).

In the context of the modern digital age, you might encounter shakaiteki in-fura (social infrastructure). This refers to the systems that allow society to function, like roads, the internet, and healthcare. Using shakaiteki here emphasizes that these are not just technical systems, but human ones that serve the collective good. Similarly, shakaiteki kyouryoku (social cooperation) is a term used to describe people working together for a common goal. These phrases show how shakaiteki acts as a bridge between the technical and the human elements of life.

ボランティア活動は、社会的な貢献の一環だ。(Borantia katsudou wa, shakaiteki na kouken no ikkan da.)
Volunteer activity is a part of social contribution.

Finally, let's look at the negative side. Shakaiteki koritsu (social isolation) is a major topic in Japan, particularly regarding the elderly and 'hikikomori' (social recluses). By using shakaiteki, the speaker acknowledges that this isolation is not just a personal choice or a family matter, but a phenomenon that the whole of society must address. This illustrates the power of the word: it frames individual experiences within the context of the larger world, making it indispensable for discussing the complexities of modern life.

孤独死は、大きな社会的問題となっている。(Kodokushi wa, ookina shakaiteki mondai to natte iru.)
Solitary death has become a major social problem.

Sentence Structure Summary: [Subject] + wa + [Adjective] + shakaiteki na + [Noun] + desu. OR [Subject] + wa + shakaiteki ni + [Verb].

You will encounter 社会的 (shakaiteki) in a variety of high-level environments. It is not a word you would typically use while buying groceries or chatting about the weather, but it is ubiquitous in any setting where the 'big picture' is discussed. Understanding where you hear this word will help you recognize the tone and seriousness of the conversation.

The News and Media: Broadcasters like NHK use this word constantly when reporting on policy changes, crime statistics, or economic shifts.

If you turn on the 7 PM news in Japan, you are almost guaranteed to hear shakaiteki within the first ten minutes. News anchors use it to frame stories. For example, when reporting on a new law, they might discuss its shakaiteki eikyou (social impact). When reporting on a scandal involving a politician, they might mention the shakaiteki sekinin (social responsibility) that the official failed to uphold. In this context, the word serves to signal that the topic is of public importance and affects the viewers as members of society.

政府は社会的な混乱を避けるために、新しい対策を発表した。(Seifu wa shakaiteki na konran o sakeru tame ni, atarashii taisaku o happyou shita.)
The government announced new measures to avoid social confusion.

In the business world, shakaiteki is a key term in corporate communication. Companies often have a section on their website dedicated to shakaiteki kouken (social contribution). This is where they list their charity work, environmental initiatives, and community support programs. During a job interview for a large corporation, you might be asked how you intend to contribute to the company's shakaiteki kachi (social value). Using this word shows that you understand the company's role in the broader world beyond just making a profit.

わが社は、持続可能な社会的価値の創造を目指しています。(Wagasha wa, jizoku kanou na shakaiteki kachi no souzou o mezashite imasu.)
Our company aims for the creation of sustainable social value.

Academic settings are another primary location for this word. University lectures in sociology, economics, and political science are saturated with it. Professors discuss shakaiteki kouzou (social structure) and shakaiteki henka (social change). If you are reading a Japanese textbook or a research paper, you will see shakaiteki used to define variables and concepts. It is the language of analysis. For a student, mastering this word is a prerequisite for understanding academic Japanese.

この論文は、インターネットがもたらした社会的な変容を分析している。(Kono ronbun wa, intaanetto ga motarashita shakaiteki na hen-you o bunseki shite iru.)
This paper analyzes the social transformation brought about by the internet.

Documentary Narrations: Documentaries about history or nature often use 'shakaiteki' to describe the behavior of animals (social animals) or the development of civilizations.

In legal and governmental documents, shakaiteki is used to define the scope of laws. You might see the term shakaiteki hoshou (social security), which refers to the systems of welfare and insurance provided by the state. This is a very formal context where the word is used with precision. When the government issues a statement about 'maintaining social order' (shakaiteki chitsujo no iji), it is using shakaiteki to emphasize the collective stability of the nation. These are the contexts where the word's power to define 'the group' is most evident.

平和な社会的秩序を守ることが重要です。(Heiwana shakaiteki chitsujo o mamoru koto ga juuyou desu.)
It is important to protect a peaceful social order.

Finally, you will hear it in social activism and non-profit work. Activists talk about shakaiteki seigi (social justice) and shakaiteki kankyou (social environment). Here, the word is used to advocate for change. It is a call to look beyond individual circumstances and see the systemic issues at play. Whether it's a protest speech or a pamphlet for a charity, shakaiteki is the word that connects the cause to the community. By listening for it in these diverse settings, you will begin to appreciate its role as a cornerstone of the Japanese conceptual landscape.

私たちは社会的な不平等をなくすために活動しています。(Watashitachi wa shakaiteki na fuheidou o nakusu tame ni katsudou shite imasu.)
We are working to eliminate social inequality.

Summary of Hearing Locations: News broadcasts, Corporate CSR reports, University lectures, Legal documents, Activist speeches.

Even though 社会的 (shakaiteki) seems straightforward, it is a frequent source of errors for Japanese learners. Most of these mistakes stem from the fact that the English word 'social' has a much broader range of meanings than the Japanese shakaiteki. In English, 'social' can mean 'relating to society', 'sociable/friendly', or 'relating to social media'. In Japanese, these three meanings are split into entirely different words. Misusing shakaiteki can lead to confusion or make your Japanese sound unintentionally academic or strange.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Social' with 'Sociable': Using 'shakaiteki' to describe a person's friendly personality. Correct word: 社交的 (shakouteki).

This is the most common error. If you say Kare wa shakaiteki na hito desu, you are saying 'He is a societal person', which sounds like he is a public figure or a person who represents society. It does NOT mean 'He is a social person' in the sense of being friendly. If you want to say someone is outgoing and likes to talk to people, you must use shakouteki (社交的). The 'kou' (交) in shakouteki means 'exchange' or 'intercourse', referring to the exchange between individuals. The 'kai' (会) in shakaiteki refers to the assembly or society as a whole.

❌ 彼はとても社会的で、友達が多い。(Kare wa totemo shakaiteki de, tomodachi ga ooi.)
✅ 彼はとても社交的で、友達が多い。(Kare wa totemo shakouteki de, tomodachi ga ooi.)
He is very sociable and has many friends.

Another common mistake is using shakaiteki when talking about 'social media'. In English, we say 'social networking' or 'social media'. In Japanese, people almost exclusively use the acronym SNS (Social Networking Service) or the katakana soosharu media (ソーシャルメディア). If you try to translate 'social media' literally as shakaiteki media, Japanese people will likely understand you, but it will sound like you are talking about 'media that belongs to society' (like public broadcasting) rather than Facebook or Instagram.

❌ 社会的メディアで写真を共有した。(Shakaiteki media de shashin o kyouyuu shita.)
✅ SNSで写真を共有した。(SNS de shashin o kyouyuu shita.)
I shared a photo on social media.

A third mistake involves the grammatical particle. Because shakaiteki is a Na-adjective, learners sometimes forget the na when it modifies a noun. They might say shakaiteki mondai instead of shakaiteki na mondai. While the na is sometimes dropped in very formal compound nouns (like shakaiteki chi-i), in general descriptive use, the na is required. Forgetting it makes your Japanese sound choppy and incomplete, like saying 'social problem' in English but forgetting the 'al' and just saying 'society problem'.

❌ これは大きな社会的問題だ。(Kore wa ookina shakaiteki mondai da.)
✅ これは大きな社会的な問題だ。(Kore wa ookina shakaiteki na mondai da.)
This is a big social problem. (Note: Both are used, but 'na' is safer for learners.)

Mistake 2: Overusing it in Casual Conversation: Using 'shakaiteki' when a simpler word like 'seken' (the world/public) or 'minna' (everyone) would suffice.

Finally, be careful with the word 'socializing'. In English, 'socializing' is a verb. In Japanese, if you want to say 'I'm socializing with my coworkers', you wouldn't use shakaiteki. You would use tsukiau (to associate with) or kouryuu suru (to interact). Shakaiteki is an adjective that describes a state or a category; it is not an action. Using it as a verb is a grammatical impossibility in Japanese. Always check if you are describing a broad concept (use shakaiteki) or a personal interaction (use something else).

❌ 週末は社会的に過ごした。(Shuumatsu wa shakaiteki ni sugoshita.)
✅ 週末は友達と交流して過ごした。(Shuumatsu wa tomodachi to kouryuu shite sugoshita.)
I spent the weekend socializing (interacting) with friends.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will ensure that your use of shakaiteki is accurate and professional. Remember that Japanese is a language that values context and specificity. Using the right 'social' word for the right situation is a key step in moving from an intermediate to an advanced level of fluency.

Checklist for Use: 1. Is it about society as a whole? (Yes -> Shakaiteki). 2. Is it about a person's personality? (No -> Shakouteki). 3. Is it about an app? (No -> SNS).

Japanese has several words that overlap with the English concept of 'social'. Depending on the context, 社会的 (shakaiteki) might be too formal, too broad, or simply the wrong nuance. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the most natural word for your specific situation. Let's compare shakaiteki with its closest synonyms and related terms.

社会的 (Shakaiteki) vs. 社交的 (Shakouteki): Shakaiteki: Societal/Systemic. Shakouteki: Sociable/Personality-based.

As mentioned before, shakouteki is the word for a person who is 'social' in the sense of being outgoing. If you are describing a person, shakouteki is almost always the word you want. Shakaiteki is for issues, status, and systems. For example, 'social skills' in the sense of being good at talking to people is shakou-teki na sukiru. However, 'social skills' in the sense of the skills needed to function in society (like following laws) might be shakaiteki na sukiru. The context of 'person vs. system' is the key decider.

彼は社交的だが、社会的な問題には無関心だ。(Kare wa shakouteki da ga, shakaiteki na mondai ni wa mukanshin da.)
He is sociable, but he is indifferent to social issues.

Another important alternative is 公共の (koukyou no), which means 'public'. While shakaiteki refers to the community of people, koukyou no refers to things that are shared or provided for everyone, often by the government. For example, 'public transport' is koukyou koutsuu, not shakaiteki koutsuu. 'Public interest' is koukyou no rieki. Use koukyou no when you are talking about facilities, services, or the common good that is managed by an authority.

公共の場所では静かにしてください。(Koukyou no basho de wa shizuka ni shite kudasai.)
Please be quiet in public places.

Then there is 世間的 (sekenteki). This is a very Japanese word that translates to 'worldly' or 'in the eyes of the world'. While shakaiteki is objective and academic, sekenteki is about social pressure and reputation. If you say something is sekenteki ni hazukashii, it means it's 'embarrassing in the eyes of society/the public'. Seken refers to the specific circle of people whose opinions you care about. Use sekenteki when discussing reputation, gossip, or conforming to social expectations.

それは世間的な常識だ。(Sore wa sekenteki na joushiki da.)
That is common sense in the eyes of the world (general public).

Summary Table: 社会的: Societal/Objective. 社交的: Sociable/Personal. 公共の: Public/Shared. 世間的: Reputation/Public Eye.

Finally, consider 一般的 (ippanteki), which means 'general' or 'common'. Sometimes English speakers use 'social' when they really mean 'what people generally do'. For example, 'social norms' can be translated as shakaiteki kihan, but if you just want to say 'it's generally done this way', you might use ippanteki ni. Shakaiteki is more formal and implies a structural analysis, while ippanteki is a broader, everyday term for 'common'.

それは一般的な考え方だ。(Sore wa ippanteki na kangaekata da.)
That is a general way of thinking.

In summary, choose shakaiteki when you are acting like a sociologist or a news reporter. Choose shakouteki when you are describing a friend. Choose koukyou no when talking about government services. And choose sekenteki when you are worried about what the neighbors think. This precision is what makes Japanese a rich and nuanced language for describing human relationships.

この問題は、社会的な視点から考える必要がある。(Kono mondai wa, shakaiteki na shiten kara kangaeru hitsuyou ga aru.)
This problem needs to be considered from a social perspective.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Fukuzawa Yukichi, a famous Meiji scholar, was instrumental in popularizing 'shakai' to help Japanese people understand Western sociology.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃakaiteki

US ʃakaɪtɛki

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). The pitch starts low and stays high throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Kouteki (Public) Seiteki (Static/Sexual) Chiteki (Intellectual) Kiteki (Whistle) Shiteki (Private/Poetic) Giteki (Technical) Teki (Target/Enemy) Hiteki (Comparable)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kai' like 'kay' (should be 'kah-ee').
Stressing the 'teki' too much (it should be flat).
Confusing it with 'shakouteki' (shak-oh-teki).
Making the 'sh' sound too hard.
Dropping the final 'i' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but the word is abstract.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of 'na' and 'ni' particles.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires formal context.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news; easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

社会 (Society) 人 (Person) 問題 (Problem) 会社 (Company) 会う (To meet)

Learn Next

経済的 (Economic) 政治的 (Political) 国際的 (International) 個人的 (Individual) 文化的 (Cultural)

Advanced

構造主義 (Structuralism) 社会規範 (Social norms) 社会階層 (Social stratification) 社会資本 (Social capital) 社会動態 (Social dynamics)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjectives (Keiyou-doushi)

社会的な (Shakaiteki na)

Adverbial form with 'ni'

社会的に (Shakaiteki ni)

Noun + teki (Suffix)

経済的、政治的、科学的

Nominalization with 'koto'

社会的な問題を解決すること

Formal sentence endings (desu/masu)

これは社会的な意義があります。

Examples by Level

これは社会的な問題です。

This is a social problem.

社会的 (shakaiteki) + な (na) + 問題 (mondai).

社会は大切です。

Society is important.

社会 (shakai) is the noun form.

彼は社会的な人ではありません。

He is not a social (societal) person.

Negative form: 社会的ではない (shakaiteki de wa nai).

社会的なニュースを見ます。

I watch social news.

Adjective modifying a noun.

みんなで社会を良くしましょう。

Let's make society better together.

Using the noun 'shakai'.

社会的なルールを守ります。

I follow social rules.

社会的 (shakaiteki) + な (na) + ルール (ruuru).

これは社会的な活動です。

This is a social activity.

Activity that benefits society.

社会的な地位は何ですか？

What is social status?

Introducing the concept of status.

最近、社会的な問題が増えています。

Recently, social problems are increasing.

増えています (fuete imasu) - present continuous.

彼は社会的な地位が高いです。

He has a high social status.

地位 (chi-i) means status.

社会的なルールを教えることは大切だ。

Teaching social rules is important.

こと (koto) nominalizes the verb phrase.

この本は社会的な背景について書かれています。

This book is written about the social background.

背景 (haikei) means background.

ボランティアは社会的な貢献です。

Volunteering is a social contribution.

貢献 (kouken) means contribution.

社会的な距離を保ちましょう。

Let's maintain social distance.

距離 (kyori) means distance.

彼女は社会的な活動に興味があります。

She is interested in social activities.

興味があります (kyoumi ga arimasu) - to have interest.

社会的な成功とは何でしょうか？

What is social success?

成功 (seikou) means success.

若者の失業は深刻な社会的な問題だ。

Youth unemployment is a serious social problem.

深刻な (shinkoku na) - serious.

企業には社会的な責任がある。

Companies have a social responsibility.

責任 (sekinin) means responsibility.

そのニュースは社会的な関心を集めた。

The news garnered social interest.

関心 (kanshin) means interest/concern.

彼は社会的に成功したが、孤独だった。

He succeeded socially, but he was lonely.

社会的に (shakaiteki ni) - adverbial form.

この法律は社会的な平等を目的としている。

This law aims for social equality.

平等 (byoudou) means equality.

社会的な背景を理解することが必要です。

It is necessary to understand the social background.

必要です (hitsuyou desu) - is necessary.

SNSは社会的な影響力が大きい。

SNS has a large social influence.

影響力 (eikyouryoku) means influence.

社会的な弱者を助ける制度が必要です。

A system to help the socially vulnerable is necessary.

弱者 (jakusha) means the weak/vulnerable.

格差社会は、多くの社会的な矛盾を抱えている。

A divided society harbors many social contradictions.

矛盾 (mujun) means contradiction.

その発言は社会的な批判を浴びた。

That statement drew social criticism.

批判を浴びる (hihan o abiru) - to be showered with criticism.

社会的なインフラの整備が急務だ。

Developing social infrastructure is an urgent task.

急務 (kyuumu) means urgent business.

彼は社会的な制裁を受けることになった。

He ended up facing social sanctions.

制裁 (seisai) means sanctions/punishment.

この研究の社会的な意義は非常に大きい。

The social significance of this research is very large.

意義 (igi) means significance/meaning.

社会的な孤立を防ぐための対策が必要だ。

Measures to prevent social isolation are necessary.

孤立 (koritsu) means isolation.

現代社会では、社会的な流動性が失われつつある。

In modern society, social mobility is being lost.

つつある (tsutsu aru) - in the process of.

社会的な合意を得るのは容易ではない。

Obtaining a social consensus is not easy.

合意 (goui) means consensus/agreement.

その政策は社会的な公正を欠いている。

That policy lacks social justice/fairness.

公正 (kousei) means justice/fairness.

社会的な規範が崩壊し始めているという指摘がある。

There are points made that social norms are beginning to collapse.

指摘 (shiteki) means pointing out/indication.

この現象は社会的な構造に起因している。

This phenomenon stems from the social structure.

起因する (kiin suru) - to be caused by.

社会的な連帯感を高めることが不可欠だ。

Increasing a sense of social solidarity is indispensable.

不可欠 (fukaketsu) means indispensable.

技術革新は社会的なパラダイムシフトをもたらした。

Technological innovation brought about a social paradigm shift.

もたらす (motarasu) - to bring about.

社会的な評価が個人の幸福に与える影響は大きい。

The impact that social evaluation has on individual happiness is large.

評価 (hyouka) means evaluation/reputation.

社会的な要請に応える形で新法が制定された。

A new law was enacted in response to social demands.

要請 (yousei) means demand/request.

社会的な包摂を促進する取り組みが求められている。

Efforts to promote social inclusion are being sought.

包摂 (housetsu) means inclusion.

社会的なコンセンサスの形成には、多大な時間を要する。

Forming a social consensus requires a vast amount of time.

要する (yousuru) - to require.

この言説は、社会的な権力構造を再生産している。

This discourse reproduces social power structures.

再生産 (saisaansan) - reproduction.

社会的なバイアスがAIのアルゴリズムに混入している。

Social biases are mixed into AI algorithms.

混入 (konnyuu) - mixing in/contamination.

社会的な文脈を無視した議論は、空理空論に過ぎない。

Arguments that ignore social context are nothing more than empty theories.

空理空論 (kuuri kuuron) - empty theory.

社会的な疎外感は、しばしば過激化の要因となる。

A sense of social alienation often becomes a factor in radicalization.

疎外感 (sogaikan) - feeling of alienation.

社会的な正当性を担保するために、透明性が求められる。

Transparency is required to guarantee social legitimacy.

担保する (tanpo suru) - to guarantee/secure.

社会的な変容のスピードに、法整備が追いついていない。

Legal development is not keeping up with the speed of social transformation.

追いつく (oitsuku) - to catch up.

社会的な紐帯が弱まることで、コミュニティが崩壊する。

As social ties weaken, communities collapse.

紐帯 (chuutai) - ties/bonds.

Synonyms

公共の世間的な対外的な

Antonyms

個人的私的

Common Collocations

社会的地位

社会的問題

社会的責任

社会的背景

社会的貢献

社会的距離

社会的弱者

社会的影響

社会的規範

社会的孤立

Common Phrases

社会的に認められる

— To be socially recognized or accepted by the public.

彼の才能は社会的に認められた。

社会的な意義がある

— To have social significance or meaning for the community.

この活動には大きな社会的な意義がある。

社会的な関心事

— A matter of social concern or public interest.

それは現在の社会的な関心事だ。

社会的な立場

— One's social standing or position in society.

社会的な立場を考える必要がある。

社会的な風潮

— The current social trend or atmosphere.

最近の社会的な風潮を反映している。

社会的な制裁

— Social sanctions or punishment by public opinion.

彼は社会的な制裁を受けた。

社会的な合意

— Social consensus or agreement among people.

社会的な合意を形成するのは難しい。

社会的な枠組み

— The social framework or structure of a system.

社会的な枠組みの中で考える。

社会的なつながり

— Social connections or ties between people.

社会的なつながりを大切にする。

社会的な公正

— Social justice or fairness in society.

社会的な公正を追求する。

Often Confused With

社会的 vs 社交的 (Shakouteki)

Means 'sociable' (personality). Often confused because English uses 'social' for both.

社会的 vs 公共の (Koukyou no)

Means 'public'. Used for facilities/services rather than the abstract society.

社会的 vs 世間的 (Sekenteki)

Means 'worldly' or 'in the public eye'. Focuses on reputation/pressure.

Idioms & Expressions

"社会の窓"

— A humorous way to refer to a man's zipper being open.

社会の窓が開いていますよ。

Informal/Humorous

"社会の荒波"

— The 'stormy waves' of society; the hardships of the real world.

彼は社会の荒波に揉まれて成長した。

Literary

"社会に出る"

— To enter society; to start working after finishing school.

大学を卒業して社会に出る。

Neutral

"社会人"

— A working member of society; an adult with a job.

彼は立派な社会人になった。

Neutral

"世間の目"

— The eyes of the world; public opinion/scrutiny.

世間の目を気にする。

Neutral

"長いものに巻かれろ"

— Go with the flow; yield to the powerful (a social survival strategy).

社会では長いものに巻かれることも必要だ。

Idiomatic

"出る杭は打たれる"

— The nail that sticks out gets hammered down (social conformity).

日本の社会では、出る杭は打たれると言われる。

Proverb

"袖振り合うも多生の縁"

— Even a chance meeting is due to karma (valuing social encounters).

袖振り合うも多生の縁というから、挨拶をしよう。

Literary

"村八分"

— Social ostracism; being shunned by the community.

彼は村八分にされてしまった。

Historical/Serious

"朱に交われば赤くなる"

— You become like those you associate with (social influence).

朱に交われば赤くなるというから、友達は選ぼう。

Proverb

Easily Confused

社会的 vs 社交的

Both translate to 'social' in English.

Shakaiteki is for systems/issues; Shakouteki is for personality.

彼は社交的だ (He is sociable).

社会的 vs 公共的

Both relate to the group.

Shakaiteki is the broad community; Koukyouteki is specifically about public interest/government.

公共的な利益 (Public interest).

社会的 vs 集団的

Both involve groups.

Shakaiteki is the whole of society; Shuudanteki is a specific group or collective action.

集団的な行動 (Collective action).

社会的 vs 一般的

Social norms are often general norms.

Shakaiteki is formal/sociological; Ippanteki is 'general' or 'common'.

一般的なルール (General rules).

社会的 vs 公的

Both are formal.

Shakaiteki is societal; Kouteki is official/governmental.

公的な支援 (Official support).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] は [Adjective] 社会的な問題です。

ゴミは大きな社会的な問題です。

[Subject] は社会的な地位が高い/低い。

彼は社会的な地位が高い。

社会的な [Noun] を考える必要がある。

社会的な背景を考える必要がある。

社会的に [Verb-Passive]。

その行為は社会的に許されない。

社会的な [Noun] が求められている。

社会的な責任が求められている。

社会的な [Noun] に起因する。

格差は社会的な構造に起因する。

社会的な [Noun] を担保する。

社会的な正当性を担保する。

社会的な [Noun] の再生産。

社会的な不平等の再生産。

Word Family

Nouns

社会 (Society)

社交 (Socializing)

社会学 (Sociology)

社会主義 (Socialism)

Verbs

社会化する (To socialize/internalize norms)

Adjectives

社会的 (Social/Societal)

社交的 (Sociable)

社会派 (Socially conscious)

公共 (Public)

世界 (World)

人間 (Human)

集団 (Group)

制度 (System)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/written Japanese; Medium in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

彼は社会的な人です (to mean he is friendly). → 彼は社交的な人です。
Shakaiteki refers to society as a system; Shakouteki refers to a person's sociable personality.
社会的メディア (for social media). → SNS / ソーシャルメディア
Japanese uses the English acronym SNS or the katakana 'soosharu media' for platforms like Facebook.
社会的の問題 (shakaiteki no mondai). → 社会的な問題 (shakaiteki na mondai).
社会的 is a Na-adjective, so it takes 'na', not 'no'.
社会的にする (to mean socializing). → 交流する / 友達と遊ぶ
Shakaiteki is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot 'do' shakaiteki.
社会的地位が高いです (used in very casual slang). → すごい人だね (He's a great person).
Shakaiteki is a formal word. Using it in a very casual setting can sound overly stiff or sarcastic.

Tips

Don't forget the 'na'!

Since 社会的 is a Na-adjective, always remember to add 'na' when it comes before a noun. For example: 社会的な課題 (shakaiteki na kadai).

Society vs. Sociable

Always double-check if you mean 'societal' (shakaiteki) or 'sociable' (shakouteki). This is the number one mistake for English speakers.

Use in formal writing

If you are writing an essay or a formal email, using 社会的 makes your arguments sound more objective and professional.

Learn collocations

Instead of just learning 'shakaiteki', learn it as part of a phrase like '社会的地位' or '社会的責任'. This is how native speakers use it.

Watch the news

Listen to NHK News or read Asahi Shimbun. You will see 'shakaiteki' used in almost every article about politics or society.

Pitch Accent

Try to keep the pitch flat (Heiban). If you drop the pitch at the end, it might sound like a different word or just unnatural.

Understand 'Seken'

Remember that 'shakaiteki' is the modern word, but 'sekenteki' is the traditional way to talk about public opinion. Use 'shakaiteki' for facts and 'sekenteki' for feelings.

The 'Teki' Target

Think of 'teki' as a target. You are targeting society (shakai) with your adjective. Shakaiteki!

Compound Nouns

In very formal titles, the 'na' is sometimes omitted (e.g., 社会的地位). However, as a learner, always using 'na' is safer and usually correct.

Compare with Economic

Learn 'shakaiteki' alongside 'keizaiteki' (economic). They are often used together in news and academic contexts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SHArp KAI (kite)' flying over the 'TEKI (tech)' city of society. Society is the big sky where the kite flies.

Visual Association

Imagine a large web connecting many small houses. The web is 'shakaiteki'—it's the structure that holds everyone together.

Word Web

社会 (Society) 地位 (Status) 問題 (Problem) 責任 (Responsibility) 貢献 (Contribution) 背景 (Background) 影響 (Influence) 規範 (Norms)

Challenge

Try to find three 'shakaiteki na mondai' (social problems) in today's news and write them down in Japanese.

Word Origin

The word 'Shakai' (社会) was coined in the late 19th century (Meiji era) as a translation for the Western concept of 'society'. Before this, Japanese used terms like 'seken' or 'tenka'.

Original meaning: The kanji 社 (sha) originally referred to a shrine or a gathering at a shrine. 会 (kai) means a meeting or association. Together, they imply a 'gathering of the assembly'.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'shakaiteki jakusha' (the socially vulnerable) to remain respectful and objective.

English speakers often confuse 'social' (friendly) with 'social' (societal). Japanese keeps these strictly separate.

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports in Japan. The term 'Hikikomori' (social withdrawal). NHK news segments on 'Shakaiteki mondai'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News/Politics

社会的な課題
社会的な混乱
社会的な合意
社会的な変革

Business

社会的責任 (CSR)
社会的貢献
社会的地位
社会的価値

Education/Sociology

社会的な背景
社会的な構造
社会的な規範
社会的な影響

Social Welfare

社会的弱者
社会的孤立
社会保障
社会的包摂

General Discussion

社会的な常識
社会的な立場
社会的な関心
社会的なルール

Conversation Starters

"最近、どのような社会的な問題に関心がありますか？ (What social issues are you interested in recently?)"

"企業の社会的責任について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about corporate social responsibility?)"

"SNSの社会的な影響は良いと思いますか、悪いと思いますか？ (Do you think the social influence of SNS is good or bad?)"

"日本で社会的な地位を築くのは難しいですか？ (Is it difficult to build social status in Japan?)"

"社会的な孤立を防ぐために、何ができるでしょうか？ (What can be done to prevent social isolation?)"

Journal Prompts

あなたが考える最も深刻な社会的な問題について書いてください。 (Write about the most serious social problem in your opinion.)

自分の仕事や勉強が、どのように社会的な貢献につながるか考えてみましょう。 (Think about how your work or study leads to social contribution.)

子供たちに教えるべき最も重要な社会的なルールは何ですか？ (What is the most important social rule to teach children?)

あなたがこれまでに受けた社会的な影響について記述してください。 (Describe the social influences you have experienced so far.)

理想的な社会的な環境とはどのようなものですか？ (What is an ideal social environment like?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For a party or socializing, use '社交的' (shakouteki) for personality or '交流' (kouryuu) for the act of interacting. '社会的' is too formal and refers to the structure of society.

They are very similar. '社会の' (shakai no) is 'of society' (noun + particle), while '社会的' (shakaiteki) is 'societal' (adjective). '社会的' sounds more formal and analytical.

Generally, no. Use 'SNS' or 'ソーシャルメディア'. '社会的メディア' sounds like you are talking about the media's role in society as a whole.

The common term used in Japan is '社会的距離' (shakaiteki kyori) or the katakana 'ソーシャルディスタンス' (soosharu disutansu).

Yes. In biology, 'social animals' (like ants or wolves) are called '社会的な動物' (shakaiteki na doubutsu).

It is neutral. It depends on the noun it modifies. '社会的貢献' (contribution) is positive, while '社会的問題' (problem) is negative.

It is '社会的地位' (shakaiteki chi-i). This is a very common and important phrase in Japan.

No, it is an adjective. The noun form is '社会' (shakai).

It is always '社会的な' because it is a Na-adjective. Never use 'no' after 'teki'.

The suffix '的' (teki) is used to turn nouns into adjectives, similar to '-al' or '-ic' in English. It is very common in formal Japanese.