Japanese word

控えめ

Pronunciation

Romajihikaeme

Meaning

  • na-adjectivemodest

Example

彼は控えめです。kare wa hika e me de su

He is modest.

Illustration for 控えめ (modest)

More examples

彼女は成功しても、いつも控えめな態度を保っています。kano jo wa sei kō shi te mo i tsu mo hika e me na tai do o tamo tte i ma su

Even when she succeeds, she always maintains a modest attitude.

Core concept

Expresses a manner or degree that stays moderate and does not strongly call attention to itself.

Common phrases

  • 控えめな態度hika e me na tai do

    modest attitude

  • 控えめな性格hika e me na sei kaku

    reserved personality

  • 控えめに振る舞うhika e me ni fu ru ma u

    act modestly

Similar words

地味jimi: Describes an understated color or style with little visual impact.
質素shisso: Describes a simple way of living or appearance without luxury.
ささやかsasayaka: Describes something small in scale, amount, or appearance.
慎ましやかtsutsumashiyaka: Describes a modest and well-mannered appearance or behavior.

Definition in Japanese

自分を強く主張したり物事を過度にしたりせず、ほどよく抑えているさま。ji bun o tsuyo ku shu chō shi ta ri mono goto o ka do ni shi ta ri se zu ho do yo ku osa e te i ru sa ma

Word origin

控えめ (hikaeme, "modest") is formed from 控える (hikaeru, "to hold back") and め (me, "tendency or degree"), which marks a restrained level or manner.

Usage tips

  • English modest often suggests a person's humility, while 控えめ (hikaeme) also naturally describes quiet colors, simple decorations, and moderate portions.

Other meanings

  • low-keyna-adjective
  • reservedna-adjective
  • moderatena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 控えめさhikaemesamodestynoun

Word lists with this word