奥おくゆかしい

お

く

ゆ

か

し

い

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

i-adjective

refined; elegant; graceful; cultivated

Describes a person, manner, or atmosphere that is deeply tasteful, subtle, and sophisticated, often with a sense of quiet depth.

彼かの女じょの奥おくゆかしい振ふる舞まいに、誰だれもが心こころを打うたれた。
Everyone was touched by her refined demeanor.

この旅りょ館かんは奥おくゆかしい趣おもむきがあって、とても落おち着つく。

This inn has an elegant charm and is very relaxing.

2

i-adjective

modest; reserved; restrained; self-effacing

Emphasizes a quiet, humble attitude; not drawing attention to oneself. Often used to describe traditional Japanese feminine ideals.

奥おくゆかしい人ひとは、自じ分ぶんの功こう績せきをあまり話はなさない。
A modest person doesn't talk much about their own achievements.
彼かの女じょの奥おくゆかしい微笑ほほえみが印いん象しょう的てきだった。
Her reserved smile was memorable.

Written forms

奥おくゆかしいUsage67%
Standard spelling; the kanji 奥 suggests depth and refinement.
奥おく床ゆかしいUsage20%
ateji (phonetic kanji usage)
Ateji spelling; rarely used in modern writing.
おくゆかしいUsage13%

Kanji

奥heart, interior
床bed, counter for beds, floor

Similar words

上じょう品ひん
上品 means 'elegant' or 'refined' in a more general sense, often about appearance or manners, while 奥ゆかしい implies a deeper, more subtle refinement with a sense of hidden depth.
控ひかえめ
控えめ means 'modest' or 'reserved' in a straightforward way, often about quantity or behavior, while 奥ゆかしい adds a nuance of graceful, cultivated restraint.

Etymology

Compound of 奥 (oku, 'inner depths') and 床しい (yukashii, 'graceful, refined'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination suggests a refined quality that comes from deep within.