How to say "modest" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 謙虚けんきょna-adjective, nounCovers the personal sense of modest: not boastful about one's abilities or achievements. Use it for a humble attitude toward oneself, as in praising someone who does not brag despite real talent.
- 控えめひかえめna-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers reserved, moderate conduct — speaking or acting without excess, understated in manner or opinion. A natural choice when 'modest' describes behavior, consumption, or self-presentation kept within reasonable limits.
- 簡素かんそna-adjective, nounApplies when 'modest' means plain, simple, and unadorned — describing a design, style of living, or furnishings. It concerns simplicity of form rather than humility of character.
- na-adjectiveUsed for 'modest' in the sense of graceful, ladylike gentleness, typically describing a woman's demeanor or bearing. It is usually written in kana and is not about humility or simplicity, so it is often not the word you want for other senses of 'modest'.
- na-adjectiveCovers 'modest' meaning small or slight in scale — a modest gift, income, celebration, or home. Its core sense is 'small; little; tiny; insignificant', so it does not describe humble personalities or plain styles.
謙虚 covers modest about oneself, 「控えめ」 reserved or moderate behavior, 簡素 plain and unadorned style, 「しとやか」 graceful feminine modesty, and 「ささやか」 small or modest in scale.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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