Japanese Conversation · Level 44
90 words
Japanese word
ささやか
Pronunciation
Romajisasayaka
Meaning
- na-adjectivemodest
Example
これはささやかな贈り物です。ko re wa sa sa ya ka na oku ri mono de su
This is a modest gift.
More examples
家族だけでささやかなお祝いをしました。ka zoku da ke de sa sa ya ka na o iwa i o shi ma shi ta
We had a small celebration with just our family.
Core concept
Describes something small in scale or restrained in presentation, often with a humble tone.
Common phrases
ささやかな祝いsa sa ya ka na iwa i
modest celebration
ささやかな集まりsa sa ya ka na atsu ma ri
small gathering
ささやかな楽しみsa sa ya ka na tano shi mi
small pleasure
Similar words
控えめhikaeme: Describes something restrained in amount, style, or expression.
簡素kanso: Describes something simple with few elements or little decoration.
質素shisso: Describes something plain and lacking luxury or decorative detail.
小規模shōkibo: Describes an event or activity that involves few people and limited resources.
Definition in Japanese
規模や程度が小さく、控えめであるさま。ki bo ya tei do ga chii sa ku hika e me de a ru sa ma
Word origin
The word ささやか (sasayaka) belongs to native Japanese vocabulary, and its older word formation is not certain; it is commonly written 細やか (sasayaka).
Usage tips
- ささやか (sasayaka) can describe an occasion as modest in scale, as in a small celebration, rather than merely describing an object's physical size.
Other meanings
- smallna-adjective
- humblena-adjective
Opposites
- 豪華なgōkanaluxuriousna-adjective
- 大げさなōgesanaexaggeratedna-adjective
Related words
- ささやかさsasayakasamodestynoun