地じ味み

じ

み

○

Common wordJLPTN3Freq.FrequencyTop 5,000

Meanings

na-adjective, noun

plain; simple; subdued; sober

Describes appearance, design, or style that is understated and not flashy. Often contrasted with 派手 (はで).

Antonyms: 派手

彼かの女じょはいつも地じ味みな服ふくを着きている。
She always wears plain clothes.

この店みせの外がい観かんは地じ味みだが、料りょう理りはとても美味おいしい。

The exterior of this restaurant is subdued, but the food is very delicious.

na-adjective, noun

reserved; modest; quiet; unobtrusive

Used for a person's character or behavior that is not showy or attention-seeking. Can describe a low-key attitude.

彼かれは地じ味みな性せい格かくで、あまり目め立だたない。
He has a reserved personality and doesn't stand out much.
地じ味みな仕し事ごとだが、誰だれかがやらなければならない。
It's an unglamorous job, but someone has to do it.

adverb

quite; a bit; surprisingly

colloquial

Colloquial adverbial use, often as 地味に. Adds a nuance of 'unexpectedly' or 'more than you'd think' to an adjective or verb.

このゲーム、地じ味みに難むずかしい。
This game is surprisingly difficult.
あの二人ふたり、地じ味みに仲なかがいいよね。
Those two are actually pretty close, aren't they?

Written forms

地じ味みUsage92%
Standard kanji spelling; high-frequency in news and everyday use.
じみUsage5%
Kana spelling is common in casual writing, especially when the kanji is not needed.
ジミUsage3%

Kanji

地ground, earth
味flavor, taste

Similar words

派は手で
Antonym meaning 'flashy' or 'showy'. 地味 is the opposite in terms of appearance and behavior.
控ひかえめ
Similar to sense 2, but 控えめ emphasizes restraint and modesty in action or quantity, while 地味 focuses on a lack of showiness.

Etymology

Compound of 地 (ground, earth) and 味 (taste, flavor), literally 'earthy taste'. The meaning shifted to 'plain' or 'sober' in contrast to flashy styles.