地味|じみjimi[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. na-adjective, nounplain; simple; subdued; sober
   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.

   彼女かのじょは地味じみな色いろを好このむ。↗

   She favors quiet colors.
2. na-adjective, nounreserved (behaviour, attitude, etc.); modest; quiet; unobtrusive
3. adverbquite; a (little) bitas 地味に

• Synonym質素しっそNeutralAbout living frugally and without luxury, as in 「質素な食事」; 地味 is about not standing out rather than being thrifty.
• SynonymプレーンNeutralA loanword for something unadorned or in its original flavor, as in 「プレーンヨーグルト」; it lacks 地味's nuance of being inconspicuous.
• Synonym簡素かんそWrittenA written, formal word for simple and stripped of excess, as in 「簡素化」; 地味 describes a subdued look, not simplification.
• Synonym素朴そぼくNeutralNatural, unpolished simplicity with a positive feel, as in 「素朴な味」; 地味 just means subdued or unremarkable.
• Synonym控えめひかえめNeutralRestrained and modest in speech and behavior, as in 「控えめな性格」; 地味 describes an overall plain, low-key impression.
• Related質朴しつぼくWrittenA written word for an honest, unpretentious character; it judges a person's qualities, while 地味 also covers looks and manner.
• Related飾り気のないかざりけのないNeutralUnadorned and naturally frank, used of people or things with a positive feel; 地味 can simply mean dull or inconspicuous.
• Antonym派手はでNeutralThe direct opposite: showy and eye-catching, as in 「派手な服」.
• Antonym華やかはなやかNeutralGorgeous and radiant, with a positive feel; the opposite of plainness itself.
• Antonym鮮やかあざやかNeutralVivid in color or brilliant in technique; contrasts with the dull, subdued look of 地味.

Use 「地味」 for colors, clothes, or a personality that does not stand out. For frugal living pick 「質素」, for stripped-down simplicity 「簡素」, for natural, unpretentious charm 「素朴」 or 「飾り気のない」, and for modest, restrained behavior 「控えめ」. The opposites: 「派手」 showy, 「華やか」 gorgeous, 「鮮やか」 vivid.

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

1. 色いろや模様もよう、形かたちなどに飾り気かざりけがなく、目立めだたないさま。
2. 態度たいどや行動こうどうがひかえめで、目立めだたないさま。
3. （俗語ぞくご。副詞ふくし的てきに用もちいて）目立めだたないながらも確たしかに。ちょっと。けっこう。