A good example of polite language used with a boss in the workplace#

Momose always uses polite language when speaking to her boss, Shirasaki. While not overly formal, the expressions combine humble and respectful language, making it a great introduction to business etiquette that goes beyond basic polite speech.

Source: Ichikawa Dan, Atarashii Joushi Ha Do Tennen (Akita Publishing)

It’s a light-hearted comedy#

While some manga rich in examples of business etiquette can be challenging or text-heavy, this work is a light comedy, allowing readers to enjoy the story while easily learning polite language.

Source: Ichikawa Dan, Atarashii Joushi Ha Do Tennen (Akita Publishing)

What Does 「ど天然」 Mean? The Roots of the Word: From Fish to Personality#

The word 「天然」 (tennen) originally comes from phrases like 「天然もの」, which refers to things that are “natural” rather than artificially made or raised—especially used in contrast to 「養殖もの」 (yōshoku mono), meaning “farm-raised.” For example:

・天然の魚 = wild-caught fish

・養殖の魚 = farm-raised fish

Over time, this idea of “natural” started being applied to people’s personalities, particularly those who are a little airheaded, slow to catch on, or say odd things—but in a lovable and innocent way. So if someone is called 「天然」, it means they’re not pretending to be silly—they’re genuinely, naturally that way.

Breaking Down the Phrase: 「ど天然」#

Now let’s look at the structure:
・天然 (tennen) – “Natural,” used here to describe someone who is naturally airheaded or spacey
・ど (do) – An intensifier that emphasizes the degree, roughly meaning “super,” “ultra,” or “completely”

Putting it together:
「ど天然」 = “Super airhead” / “Extreme natural goofball”

This slangy prefix 「ど」 shows up in other strong expressions too, like:
・どハマりする – to be totally hooked (on something)
・どストレート – completely straightforward or blunt

In short, 「ど」 adds emphasis and exaggeration, giving the word more dramatic or playful impact.

Why It Can Be Confusing for Learners#

This term may confuse learners for a few reasons:
・It doesn’t literally mean “natural” anymore. In this usage, it’s a slangy, cultural expression for someone’s personality.
・「ど」 is not a standard prefix. It’s casual, emotional, and not taught in textbooks early on.

If someone says:
あの人、ど天然だよね
It means: That person is a total space cadet! (But usually said with fondness, not cruelty.)

Cultural Note: The Birth of 「天然」 in Pop Culture#

The slang use of 「天然」 is said to have originated in Japanese comedy. A famous Japanese comedian once described another performer—known for his unpredictably strange and innocent behavior—as “tennen”, meaning he wasn’t acting that way on purpose. It just came naturally.

Since then, the word spread to everyday conversation, especially in youth slang and pop culture, where it’s often used to describe cute, quirky characters in manga, anime, or real life.

English Equivalents#

While there’s no perfect one-to-one translation, here are some rough equivalents:

・“Airhead (in a sweet way)”
・“Total space cadet”
・“Lovable goof”
・“Adorably clueless”

Final Thought#

Understanding phrases like 「ど天然」 gives insight not just into language, but into Japanese humor and social relationships. It shows how personality traits are described in a casual, affectionate way. So next time you hear it in an anime or manga, you’ll know—it’s not an insult, it’s a compliment (most of the time)!

Kinjo’s polite language is casual#

Kinjo, who joined the same department after Momose, has a cheerful, modern personality, which often makes his polite language more casual. For beginners in business etiquette, it might be best not to imitate his style too closely.

Source: Ichikawa Dan, Atarashii Joushi Ha Do Tennen (Akita Publishing)

A company this peaceful (probably) doesn’t exist in reality#

If you’re wondering whether a peaceful and soothing company with an airheaded boss and a needy supervisor is common in Japan, the answer is definitely not. However, since nothing is impossible in this world, such a company might actually exist somewhere in Japan.

Source: Ichikawa Dan, Atarashii Joushi Ha Do Tennen (Akita Publishing)