Translation guide
The English word "modest" covers several distinct meanings: not boastful, moderate in size/amount, and decent in dress/behavior. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
Describing a person who does not brag about their achievements or abilities.
The most common and natural word for a modest, humble personality. Used for people who are genuinely unassuming.
He is a very modest person.
It's important to remain modest even when you succeed.
Means reserved, restrained, or understated. Often used for modest behavior or a modest attitude, but can also apply to things like portions or colors.
She is modest and doesn't talk much about herself.
Literally 'low-waisted', meaning humble and unassuming despite one's status. Often used for people in high positions who are approachable.
The company president is modest and polite to everyone.
Refers to the act of speaking modestly about oneself, often by downplaying achievements. Can sometimes sound overly self-deprecating.
He always speaks modestly about his abilities.
Describing something that is not large, excessive, or extreme.
Used for modest portions, modest growth, modest estimates, etc. Implies restraint and not going overboard.
I ordered a modest amount of food.
Means small-scale, humble, or simple. Often used for modest celebrations, modest homes, or modest gifts. Has a slightly warm, positive nuance.
Means plain, simple, or subdued. Can describe modest clothing, modest colors, or a modest lifestyle. Often contrasts with flashy (派手).
Means frugal, simple, or austere. Used for a modest lifestyle or modest living conditions, often with a positive connotation of avoiding luxury.
Describing clothing or behavior that is not sexually suggestive or overly showy.
Works for modest clothing that is not revealing. Also used for modest makeup or modest behavior.
Modest attire is expected in the office.
Plain and simple, not flashy. Can imply modesty in dress, but focuses more on lack of decoration than on covering skin.
Literally 'showing little skin'. A direct way to describe modest clothing in terms of coverage.
I chose a modest swimsuit.
Describes a neat, clean, and modest appearance, often for women. Implies purity and refinement.
控えめ (hikaeme) is about outward restraint in behavior, speech, or quantity. 謙虚 (kenkyo) is an inner trait of humility. A person can be 謙虚 but not necessarily 控えめ if they are outspoken in a humble way.
He is modest but speaks his mind clearly.
Avoid directly translating 'modest' as モダスト or using 謙虚 for non-personality contexts. For example, 'a modest salary' is not 謙虚な給料 but 控えめな給料 or ささやかな給料.
She is modest about her achievements.
We had a modest wedding.
Please dress modestly for the ceremony.
Even by a modest estimate, sales will increase by 10% this year.
ささやかなパーティーを開いた。
We held a modest party.
They live in a modest house.
彼女は地味な服を着ている。
She is wearing modest clothes.
彼は質素な生活を送っている。
He leads a modest life.
彼女はいつも地味で上品な服を着る。
She always wears modest and elegant clothes.
清楚なワンピースが似合う。
A modest dress suits her.