控えめ・控え目|ひかえめhikaeme[0]heiban (flat)

1. na-adjective, no-adjectivemoderate; reserved; modest; temperate; restrained; low-key; conservative (estimate); self-effacing; unassuming
   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.

• Synonym謙虚けんきょNeutralAbout a humble, unassuming attitude; 「控えめ」 can also mean keeping amounts on the low side.
• Synonym慎み深いつつしみぶかいWrittenWritten/formal prose for being discreet and humble in word and deed; stresses inner cultivation more than 「控えめ」.
• Related質素しっそNeutralDescribes a simple, unluxurious lifestyle; 「控えめ」 is about restrained conduct and keeping amounts modest.
• Related穏健おんけんWrittenWritten/formal prose for moderate views or stances, as in 「穏健派」; mostly a political term.
• Related適度てきどNeutralMeans the degree is appropriate, as in 「適度な運動」; stresses hitting the mark, not falling short.
• Related程よいほどよいNeutralMeans just right, as in 「程よい甘さ」; 「控えめ」 suggests a bit less than that.
• Related中庸ちゅうようWrittenWritten/formal and abstract: the middle way between extremes, a Confucian term.
• Antonym過剰かじょうNeutralExceeds the proper range — excess or surplus; the direct opposite of 「控えめ」.
• Antonym過大かだいNeutralToo large or too high, as in 「過大評価」; the opposite of 「控えめ」.

Use 「控えめ」 for restrained conduct or a slightly smaller amount, as in 「甘さ控えめ」. For a humble attitude pick 「謙虚」; for an amount that is just right, 「適度」 or 「程よい」. 「過剰」 is the opposite.

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

1. 遠慮えんりょがちに振る舞ふるまうこと。
2. 数量すうりょうなどを少すくなめにすること。