obsequious

While 'obsequious' does mean excessively eager to please or obey, it carries a strong connotation of insincerity and often implies a manipulative intent. A Japanese learner might use 'obsequious' thinking it simply means '従順な' (juujunna, obedient) without fully grasping the negative undertones. The corrected sentence replaces 'obsequious' with 'overly agreeable', which conveys the student's excessive agreement without necessarily implying insincerity. The issue lies in the fact that Japanese culture values politeness and deference to authority, which can lead learners to overestimate the acceptability of extreme forms of agreement in English-speaking contexts. The subtle difference between genuine respect and opportunistic flattery is crucial. In this case, 'obsequious' suggests the student's behavior is motivated by self-interest rather than genuine respect, a nuance that might be lost on a learner translating directly from the Japanese concept of '従順'.

This example highlights a potential confusion between 'obsequious' and 'sycophantic.' While both terms describe someone who is excessively flattering to gain favor, 'sycophantic' more strongly emphasizes the insincerity and self-serving nature of the flattery. 'Obsequious' can sometimes be used to describe someone who is simply overly eager to please, even if their motives are not entirely selfish. However, the phrase 'secretly he resented him' clearly indicates that the person's behavior is driven by a desire for personal gain, making 'sycophantic' the more appropriate choice. Japanese learners might choose 'obsequious' because it's a more common word in textbooks, failing to appreciate the subtle difference in intensity and the stronger implication of insincerity conveyed by 'sycophantic'. The issue stems from the fact that English often has multiple words with overlapping meanings, each carrying slightly different connotations and emotional weight. Mastering these nuances requires not just memorizing definitions but also understanding the cultural context in which the words are used.

Using 'obsequious' to describe a respected leader creates a contradiction. The word implies a lack of genuine respect and often suggests that the person is seeking personal gain through excessive flattery. A respected leader is typically admired for their competence, integrity, and vision, qualities that are incompatible with obsequiousness. A Japanese learner might make this mistake by focusing solely on the 'eager to please' aspect of the definition and overlooking the negative connotations. The corrected sentence uses 'humble demeanor,' which conveys a sense of modesty and deference without implying insincerity or a lack of self-respect. This illustrates a cultural difference in how leadership is perceived. While humility and respect for others are valued in many cultures, including Japan, the English word 'obsequious' suggests a level of self-abasement and insincerity that would undermine a leader's credibility. A direct translation from Japanese concepts of politeness and respect might not accurately capture the negative implications of 'obsequious' in an English-speaking context. The phrase reveals a possible '日本語→英語' tendency to equate polite behavior with obsequiousness, failing to recognize the crucial difference between genuine respect and manipulative flattery.