How to say "humble" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 謙虚けんきょna-adjective, nounCovers 'humble' as a quality of character: a modest, unpretentious attitude free of boasting or pride. Choose this when 'humble' describes a person's way of thinking rather than their status or their belongings.
- 卑しいいやしいi-adjectiveHere 'humble' means lowly in social station, as in humble birth or origins. The word carries a harsh, pejorative tone — base, vulgar — so it is stronger and more negative than English 'humble'.
- 粗末そまつna-adjective, nounCovers 'humble' describing things rather than people: something plain, rough, or crudely made, such as a humble dwelling or meal. It stresses poor quality or simplicity, not modesty of character.
- na-adjectiveCovers 'humble' meaning small or modest in scale — a humble gift or celebration, for instance. Often used with polite self-deprecation when presenting something of one's own as slight or token.
- 神妙しんみょうna-adjective, nounCovers 'humble' as meek, docile behavior: the subdued, quiet manner of someone who has been told off and is now behaving. It is about demeanor, not modesty about one's own worth.
Use 謙虚 for a modest, unpretentious character, 「卑しい」 for lowly status, 粗末 for plain or crude things, 「ささやか」 for small-scale modest things, and 神妙 for meek, subdued behavior.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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