Japanese word

地味

Pronunciation

Romajijimi

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveplain

Example

私は地味な服を選びます。watashi wa ji mi na fuku o era bi ma su

I choose plain clothes.

Illustration for 地味 (plain)

More examples

その店の外観はとても地味です。so no mise no gai kan wa to te mo ji mi de su

The outside of the shop is very plain.

Core concept

地味 (jimi) centers on an understated quality that avoids drawing attention through brightness, decoration, or display.

Common phrases

  • 地味な服ji mi na fuku

    plain clothes

  • 地味な色ji mi na iro

    subdued color

  • 地味なデザインji mi na de za i n

    plain design

Similar words

控えめhikaeme: Shows restraint and does not draw much attention in manner, appearance, or expression.
質素shisso: Uses few costly or decorative things and avoids excess.
簡素kanso: Has a simple form with little decoration or complexity.
素朴soboku: Has a natural, unrefined quality without artifice.

Definition in Japanese

華やかさや派手さがなく、目立たないさま。hana ya ka sa ya ha de sa ga na ku me da ta na i sa ma

Word origin

地味 (jimi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 地 (ji, "earth") and 味 (mi, "quality" or "taste"), expressing a natural, unadorned quality.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 地味 (jimi) can describe clothes, colors, personalities, or lifestyles, so it covers an overall understated style rather than appearance alone.

Other meanings

  • subduedna-adjective
  • modestna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 地味さjimisaplainnessnoun

Word lists with this word