How to say "humility" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

謙遜けんそんJLPT N2approx.Common
noun, suru verb, intransitive verb, na-adjectiveCovers humility in its most general sense: the modest, unassuming attitude of someone who does not boast about their abilities or achievements. Typical when describing or praising a person's modest manner.
彼かれの謙遜けんそんさは賞賛しょうさんに値あたいする。↗
His modesty is worth respecting.
卑下ひげCommon
noun, suru verb, transitive verbEmphasizes the self-lowering side of humility: abasing or depreciating oneself, as when a speaker undervalues their own work or abilities. Choose it when 'humility' amounts to putting oneself down rather than simple modesty.
卑下ひげも自慢じまんのうち。↗
Too much humility is pride.

Use 謙遜 for humility as the virtue of modesty—being humble and unassuming; use 卑下 when the emphasis falls on lowering or belittling oneself, self-abasing or self-deprecating behavior.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

謙遜けんそんmodesty
卑下ひげself-abasement
謙譲けんじょうmodesty
きょうけんmodesty

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