Translation guide
The concept of modesty in Japanese is deeply tied to humility, self-effacement, and social harmony. Direct translations exist, but natural expression often relies on humble language, indirect phrasing, and culturally specific behaviors.
彼は謙虚だ。
He is modest.
そんなに謙遜しないで！
Don't be so modest!
Expressing that one is not boastful, downplaying one's own abilities or accomplishments.
The most common word for modesty as a virtue; often used in the phrase ご謙遜を (you're being too modest).
彼はいつも謙遜している。
He is always modest.
そんなに謙遜しなくてもいいですよ。
You don't have to be so modest.
Modesty as a character trait, often implying a quiet, unassuming nature. Slightly more formal than 謙遜.
彼女はとても謙虚な人だ。
She is a very modest person.
A common way to deflect a compliment, literally 'That's not true.' Equivalent to 'Oh, no, not at all.'
A: 日本語が上手ですね。B: いえいえ、そんなことないです。
A: Your Japanese is good. B: No, no, not at all.
Literally 'I still have a long way to go.' A standard humble response to praise.
A: すごいですね！B: いや、まだまだです。
A: That's amazing! B: Oh, I still have a lot to learn.
In formal situations, using humble verbs like 申す (to say) or いただく (to receive) shows modesty by lowering oneself.
私が担当いたします。
I will be in charge (humble).
Describing clothing or conduct that is not revealing, flashy, or attention-seeking.
Plain, subdued, conservative. Often used for clothing, makeup, or appearance.
彼女はいつも地味な服を着ている。
She always wears modest clothes.
Reserved, restrained, understated. Can apply to behavior, clothing, or personality.
Neat and clean, often used for a modest, pure, and elegant feminine appearance.
Referring to the broader cultural expectation of not standing out or boasting.
Proverb: 'The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.' Reflects the cultural pressure to be modest and conform.
日本では「出る杭は打たれる」と言われる。
In Japan, they say 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.'
When introducing family members or colleagues, using humble language or deprecating remarks is a form of modesty.
Using 愚妻 (foolish wife) is very traditional and can sound outdated or sexist. Use with caution.
愚妻ですが、よろしくお願いします。
This is my foolish wife (humble introduction).
While 謙遜 and 謙虚 are correct, Japanese speakers often express modesty through indirect phrases like そんなことないです rather than explicitly stating 'I am modest.' Using the word 謙遜 about oneself can sometimes sound boastful about being modest.
謙遜 (kenson) often refers to the act of being humble in speech or behavior, while 謙虚 (kenkyo) describes a deeper, inherent modesty of character. 謙遜 is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
控えめなデザインのドレスを選んだ。
I chose a dress with a modest design.
A modest, neat appearance is preferred.