How to say "restrained" in Japanese

• 控えめひかえめCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers restrained in the sense of moderate or temperate: a reserved manner, held-back speech, or a moderate degree or amount. The common word when restraint is about not going to excess.
  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.
• 奥ゆかしいおくゆかしい
  i-adjectiveFits restrained when it describes a person's modest, self-effacing character — humility rather than mere moderation. A less common word, apt for someone who quietly holds back and never pushes themselves forward.

Use 「控えめ」 for restrained meaning moderate or reserved — behavior, speech, or amounts held back rather than excessive — and 「奥ゆかしい」 for restrained describing a humble, self-effacing person or manner.

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

• 控えめひかえめmoderate
• 奥ゆかしいおくゆかしいmodest
• じっとfirmly (e.g. hold)