Translation guide
The English word "modest" covers several distinct meanings: not boastful, moderate in size/amount, and decent in dress/behavior. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
Describing a person who does not brag about their achievements or abilities.
The most common and natural word for a modest, humble personality. Used for people who are genuinely unassuming.
彼はとても謙虚な人だ。
He is a very modest person.
成功しても謙虚でいることは大切だ。
It's important to remain modest even when you succeed.
Means reserved, restrained, or understated. Often used for modest behavior or a modest attitude, but can also apply to things like portions or colors.
彼女は控えめで、自分の話をあまりしない。
She is modest and doesn't talk much about herself.
Literally 'low-waisted', meaning humble and unassuming despite one's status. Often used for people in high positions who are approachable.
社長は腰が低くて、誰に対しても丁寧だ。
The company president is modest and polite to everyone.
Refers to the act of speaking modestly about oneself, often by downplaying achievements. Can sometimes sound overly self-deprecating.
彼はいつも自分の能力を謙遜して言う。
He always speaks modestly about his abilities.
Describing something that is not large, excessive, or extreme.
Used for modest portions, modest growth, modest estimates, etc. Implies restraint and not going overboard.
控えめな量の食事を頼んだ。
I ordered a modest amount of food.
今年の売上は控えめに見積もっても10%増えるだろう。
Even by a modest estimate, sales will increase by 10% this year.
Means small-scale, humble, or simple. Often used for modest celebrations, modest homes, or modest gifts. Has a slightly warm, positive nuance.
Means plain, simple, or subdued. Can describe modest clothing, modest colors, or a modest lifestyle. Often contrasts with flashy (派手).
Means frugal, simple, or austere. Used for a modest lifestyle or modest living conditions, often with a positive connotation of avoiding luxury.
Describing clothing or behavior that is not sexually suggestive or overly showy.
Works for modest clothing that is not revealing. Also used for modest makeup or modest behavior.
オフィスでは控えめな服装が求められる。
Modest attire is expected in the office.
Plain and simple, not flashy. Can imply modesty in dress, but focuses more on lack of decoration than on covering skin.
Literally 'showing little skin'. A direct way to describe modest clothing in terms of coverage.
露出が少ない水着を選んだ。
I chose a modest swimsuit.
Describes a neat, clean, and modest appearance, often for women. Implies purity and refinement.
控えめ (hikaeme) is about outward restraint in behavior, speech, or quantity. 謙虚 (kenkyo) is an inner trait of humility. A person can be 謙虚 but not necessarily 控えめ if they are outspoken in a humble way.
彼は謙虚だが、自分の意見をはっきり言う。
He is modest but speaks his mind clearly.
Avoid directly translating 'modest' as モダスト or using 謙虚 for non-personality contexts. For example, 'a modest salary' is not 謙虚な給料 but 控えめな給料 or ささやかな給料.
彼女は自分の業績について謙虚だ。
She is modest about her achievements.
ささやかな結婚式を挙げた。
We had a modest wedding.
式典では控えめな服装でお越しください。
Please dress modestly for the ceremony.
ささやかなパーティーを開いた。
We held a modest party.
彼らはささやかな家に住んでいる。
They live in a modest house.
She is wearing modest clothes.
He leads a modest life.
She always wears modest and elegant clothes.
A modest dress suits her.