Japanese word

質素

Pronunciation

Romajishisso

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveplain

Example

祖父の家は質素です。so fu no ie wa shis so de su

My grandfather's house is plain.

Illustration for 質素 (plain)

More examples

彼は質素な服で式に出席しました。kare wa shis so na fuku de shiki ni shus seki shi ma shi ta

He attended the ceremony in simple clothes.

Core concept

Describes a restrained way of living or appearing that avoids unnecessary decoration and expense.

Common phrases

  • 質素な暮らしshis so na ku ra shi

    a plain lifestyle

Similar words

簡素kanso: Describes a simple style or arrangement with little decoration or expense.
地味jimi: Describes an unshowy appearance or style that does not attract much attention.
控えめhikaeme: Describes an appearance, manner, or amount that avoids excess.

Definition in Japanese

飾り気がなく、必要以上に物や費用を使わないさま。kaza ri ke ga na ku hitsu yō i jō ni mono ya hi yō o tsuka wa na i sa ma

Word origin

質素 (shisso) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 質 (shitsu, "substance") and 素 (so, "plainness"), expressing a way of being without excess.

Usage tips

  • English plain can suggest a lack of beauty, while 質素 (shisso) often describes a simple lifestyle neutrally or positively.

Other meanings

  • frugalna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 質素さshissosaplainnessnoun

Word lists with this word