How to say "low-key" in Japanese

• 控えめひかえめCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers the everyday sense of 'low-key' as in reserved, modest, or not drawing attention. Use it for a person's demeanor or a subdued style; it is the natural, common choice in ordinary conversation.
  彼かれの意見いけんは控え目ひかえめである。↗

  He is humble about his opinion.
• ローキー
  nounA direct loanword meaning 'low-key', but less common and largely confined to technical or specialized usage, especially in photography. For describing a reserved person or understated manner, it is seldom the word you want.

Use 「控えめ」 for the everyday senses of 'low-key' (reserved, modest, not flashy); 「ローキー」 is a less common loanword, mainly in technical or specialized contexts, and is seldom the word you want.

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

• 控えめひかえめmoderate
• ローキーlow-key
• 落ち着いたおちついたunobtrusive