Translation guide
The English word 'plain' covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning, from describing simple things to talking about flat land.
Describing something that is simple, without decoration or extra features.
A common loanword meaning simple, uncluttered, or minimal. Used for design, clothing, food, etc.
このデザインはとてもシンプルですね。
This design is very plain, isn't it?
Means plain, sober, or subdued. Often used for clothing, colors, or appearance. Can have a slightly negative nuance of 'dull'.
彼女はいつも地味な服を着ている。
She always wears plain clothes.
Means plain, simple, or frugal. Often used for lifestyle, living, or meals. Has a positive nuance of modesty.
彼は質素な生活を送っている。
He leads a plain life.
Describes something light, simple, or not heavy. Often used for food, flavors, or designs.
あっさりした味のスープが好きです。
I like soup with a plain taste.
Expressing that something is clear, obvious, or easy to understand.
Means clear, obvious, or plain. Used in formal or written contexts.
彼の嘘は明白だった。
His lie was plain.
Means obvious, clear, or evident. Slightly more common in speech than 明白.
それは明らかな間違いだ。
That's a plain mistake.
Means clear, distinct, or plain. Used for statements, evidence, or memories.
はっきりした証拠がない。
There is no plain evidence.
Referring to a large area of flat land, often without trees.
Means plain, prairie, or open flatland. Used in geography.
広大な平原が広がっている。
A vast plain spreads out.
Means plain or flatlands, often referring to a geographical region like the Kanto Plain.
Describing a person as not beautiful or handsome.
Means plain-looking or homely, specifically for a woman's appearance. Can be rude, so use with care.
This word can be offensive. Use only when necessary and with caution.
彼女は自分を不器量だと思っている。
She thinks she is plain.
A softer way to say 'not good-looking', literally 'features are not good'. Less direct than 不器量.
彼は器量が良くないが、性格はいい。
He is plain, but has a good personality.
Means 'ordinary features', a neutral way to describe a plain face.
彼は平凡な顔立ちだが、とても魅力的だ。
He has plain features but is very charming.
Describing food that lacks strong flavor or seasoning.
Means lightly seasoned or plain-tasting. Common for describing food.
このスープは薄味ですね。
This soup is plain, isn't it?
Means tasteless, insipid, or dull. Has a negative nuance of being unsatisfying.
この料理は味気ない。
This dish is plain.
Describing something that is pure, without anything added, like plain water or plain yogurt.
Loanword meaning plain, without additives. Used for yogurt, water, etc.
プレーンヨーグルトをください。
I'll have plain yogurt, please.
Phrase meaning 'nothing added'. Can be used for drinks or food.
何も入っていないお茶が飲みたい。
I want to drink plain tea.
シンプル is neutral and often positive (simple, uncluttered). 地味 can be negative (dull, plain in a boring way). 質素 implies modesty and frugality, often positive.
シンプルなデザインが好きです。
I like simple designs.
あの服はちょっと地味すぎる。
Those clothes are a bit too plain.
質素な食事を心がけている。
I try to eat plain meals.
Directly calling someone 'plain' can be rude in Japanese. Use softer expressions like 器量が良くない or rephrase entirely.
彼女は特に美人ではないが、感じがいい。
She's not particularly beautiful, but she's nice.
The Kanto Plain is the largest plain in Japan.