How to say "modesty" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 謙遜けんそんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verb, na-adjectiveModesty in the sense of humility: playing down one's own abilities or achievements rather than boasting. This is the word for a humble attitude toward oneself, as when deflecting praise.
- 慎みつつしみnounModesty as restrained, proper behavior: discretion and self-control in one's conduct rather than humility about one's own merits. Use it for modesty in the sense of decorum or prudence.
- 遠慮えんりょnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbChiefly reserve or restraint: holding back, declining, or refraining out of consideration for others. Its 'modesty' gloss is only a secondary shade, so it is seldom the word you want for modesty itself.
Use 謙遜 for humility about one's own merits, 「慎み」 for modesty as restrained, discreet behavior, and 遠慮 mainly for holding back or restraint, with 'modesty' only a secondary shade.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
