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控えめ (ひかえめ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
moderate ; reserved ; modest ; restrained ; low-key
Describes a person's attitude, behavior, or amount that is not excessive, pushy, or showy. Often used positively for modesty and self-restraint. Can also modify nouns like 見積もり (estimate) to mean 'conservative'.
言い
わ
ない
。
She is a very reserved person and doesn't assert her opinions strongly.
Written forms 控ひか えめ Usage 69%
Standard spelling with okurigana; the most common written form.
控ひか え 目め Usage 21%
Alternate kanji spelling using 目 instead of okurigana め; less common but still encountered.
ひかえめ Usage 8%
Kana spelling; used when the kanji is avoided or for emphasis in casual writing.
ひかえ 目め Usage 2%
Kanji 控 withdraw, draw in, hold back Similar words 謙けん 虚きょ 謙虚 is a more formal, virtue-oriented term for 'humble', often implying a deep-seated character trait. 控えめ is more about outward behavior and moderation, and can apply to non-personal things like amounts.
遠えん 慮りょ 遠慮 is the act of holding back out of consideration for others, often used in social situations (e.g., declining an offer). 控えめ describes a general quality of being restrained or moderate.
Etymology Compound of the verb 控える (ひかえる, 'to hold back, wait, be moderate') + 目 (め, nominalizing suffix indicating degree or tendency). Literally 'a tendency to hold back'.
