Translation guide
The English word 'frugal' describes being careful with money and resources, avoiding waste. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several words and phrases that emphasize thrift, economy, and simplicity. The most common and natural equivalent is 節約する (setsuyaku suru), but other terms like 倹約 (ken'yaku) and 質素 (shisso) carry different nuances. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context and intent.
To describe a person or lifestyle that is careful with money, avoiding unnecessary spending.
The most common and versatile way to say 'frugal' as a verb. It means to economize or save money by cutting back on expenses. Can be used for both temporary and habitual actions.
彼は毎月の生活費を節約している。
He is frugal with his monthly living expenses.
節約して旅行の資金を貯めています。
I'm being frugal to save money for a trip.
A more formal term for frugality, often implying a disciplined, long-term approach to saving money. It can sound slightly stiff in casual conversation.
彼女は倹約家で、無駄遣いをしない。
She is a frugal person and doesn't waste money.
An adjective meaning 'simple' or 'frugal' in lifestyle, often with a positive connotation of modesty and lack of luxury. It describes a way of living rather than a specific act of saving.
彼は質素な生活を送っている。
He leads a frugal life.
An adjective meaning thrifty or frugal, often used to describe a person's careful management of household finances. It has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
つましい主婦が家計をやりくりする。
A frugal housewife manages the household budget.
To characterize someone as habitually careful with money, often as a personality trait.
A noun meaning 'frugal person' or 'thrifty person'. It is a common and neutral way to describe someone who is good at saving money.
父は倹約家で、いつも特売品を買う。
My father is frugal and always buys items on sale.
A phrase meaning 'good at saving money' or 'skilled at being frugal'. It has a positive, admiring tone.
彼女は節約上手で、少ない給料でも貯金ができる。
She is frugal and can save money even on a small salary.
A colloquial and often negative term meaning 'stingy' or 'cheap'. It implies an unwillingness to spend money even when necessary, unlike 'frugal' which is usually positive. Use with caution.
This word is often negative and not a direct equivalent of 'frugal'. Use only when you mean 'stingy' or 'cheap'.
To describe a meal that is inexpensive and plain, often by choice or necessity.
A common phrase for a simple, frugal meal. It implies modesty and lack of extravagance, without negative judgment.
旅先では質素な食事で済ませた。
We made do with frugal meals while traveling.
Literally 'coarse food', this noun refers to plain, simple fare. It can be used neutrally or to emphasize austerity.
健康のために粗食を心がけている。
I try to eat frugal meals for my health.
節約 (setsuyaku) is the most general and commonly used term for saving money or resources. 倹約 (ken'yaku) is more formal and implies a disciplined, long-term habit. 質素 (shisso) focuses on simplicity and lack of luxury, often applied to lifestyle or material possessions rather than active saving.
節約して外食を減らす。
Be frugal by eating out less.
倹約を旨とする家風。
A family tradition that values frugality.
質素な部屋に住む。
Live in a frugal room.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'frugal' in all contexts. Instead, use verbs like 節約する or adjectives like 質素な depending on the nuance. Direct translations like 'フルーガル' are not used.
彼はお金に慎重だ。
He is careful with money. (Not '彼はフルーガルだ')
He's so stingy he won't even buy his friends a coffee.