How to say "sober" in Japanese

• 真面目まじめJLPT N4approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers sober in the sense 'serious, earnest': a person, manner, or attitude that is grave rather than frivolous, as in a sober, hardworking student.
  サムは仕事しごとに関かんしてまじめです。↗

  Sam is serious about his work.
• 地道じみちCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers sober meaning 'steady, honest': a way of living or working that is steady and straightforward, as in a sober, honest way of life.
  悪銭あくせん身みにつかず、というじゃない。結局けっきょくは地道じみちに稼かせぐしかないと思おもうよ。↗

  Ill-gotten gains are short-lived. The only way to make real money is to earn every penny.
• 地味じみJLPT N2approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers sober meaning 'plain, subdued': colors, clothes, or an overall look that is simple and not bright or showy, as in a sober gray suit.
  僕ぼく的てきにはもっと地味じみってか渋しぶい服ふくが欲ほしいんですけどね。↗

  For my tastes, I'd prefer plainer, or rather, more tasteful clothing.
• 穏健おんけんCommon
  na-adjectiveCovers sober meaning 'moderate, temperate': views, politics, or judgments that are sensible and avoid extremes, as in a sober assessment of the situation.
  彼かれは穏健おんけんな考かんがえをもった人ひとである。↗

  He is a man of moderate opinions.
• おとなしいJLPT N2approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers sober of colors and patterns: quiet and subdued rather than bright or striking, close to 地味 in this use; usually written in kana alone, as in a quiet, sober color scheme.

Choose 真面目 for a serious, earnest person or attitude, 地道 for a steady, honest way of living or working, 穏健 for moderate views or judgment, 地味 for a plain, subdued look, and 「おとなしい」 for quiet colors and patterns.

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

• 真面目まじめserious
• 地道じみちsteady
• 地味じみplain
• 穏健おんけんmoderate (view, politics, etc.)
• 大人しやかおとなしやかgentle
• おとなしいquiet (color, pattern, etc.)
• 渋いしぶいaustere
• 肩が凝るかたがこるserious