質素|しっそshisso[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. na-adjective, nounsimple; plain
   私達わたしたちは質素しっそな食物しょくもつを食たべるのに慣なれている。↗

   We are used to eating plain food.
2. na-adjective, nounmodest; frugal; reserved
   ドイツ人どいつじんは質素しっそな国民こくみんだ。↗

   Germans are a frugal people.

• Synonym簡素かんそWrittenWritten/formal prose. Describes simplicity of form, cutting out excess, as in 「簡素な式」; it is about form, while 「質素」 is about frugal, unluxurious living.
• SynonymシンプルNeutralA loanword for simple and unadorned, often used of design styles; unlike 「質素」 it carries no sense of frugality.
• Synonym地味じみNeutralPlain and inconspicuous, mainly about subdued colours or a low-key style; it does not necessarily imply frugality the way 「質素」 does.
• SynonymプレーンCasualColloquial loanword for unflavoured food or a plain style, as in 「プレーンヨーグルト」; it says nothing about frugality.
• RelatedプレーンCasualColloquial loanword for unflavoured food or a plain style, as in 「プレーンヨーグルト」; it says nothing about frugality.
• Related素朴そぼくNeutralNatural and unrefined, as in 「素朴な味」; it is broadly positive and stresses naturalness rather than thrift.
• Related経済的けいざいてきNeutralEconomical in the sense of good value or saving money, as in 「経済的な方法」; it is about efficiency, not a way of living.
• Related粗末そまつNeutralCrude and shabby, with a negative nuance, as in 「粗末な食事」; it is a step harsher than 「質素」.
• Related控えめひかえめNeutralModerate and low-key; it stresses restraint rather than frugality, so it does not carry the thrift nuance of 「質素」.
• Related飾り気のないかざりけのないNeutralUnadorned, frank and natural; it most often describes a person's character rather than a frugal lifestyle.
• Antonym贅沢ぜいたくNeutralAntonym. Luxury and extravagance — spending beyond what is needed — the direct opposite of frugal 「質素」.
• Antonym華美かびWrittenWritten/formal prose. Gaudy, showy extravagance; the direct opposite of 「質素」.
• Antonym豪華ごうかNeutralAntonym. Luxurious and lavish, as in 「豪華な料理」; the opposite of 「質素」.

Use 「質素」 for living frugally without luxury, as in 「質素な暮らし」 or 「質素倹約」. For simplicity of form choose 「簡素」; for a subdued style, 「地味」; for something shabby (negative), 「粗末」; for saving money, 「経済的」. The opposites are 「贅沢」 (extravagant) and 「豪華」 (luxurious).

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

1. 必要最小限ひつようさいしょうげんのものは備そなえていて、その他たには、かざりけがなく、地味じみなこと。贅沢ぜいたくでなくつつましいこと。