Translation guide
Describes a person or behavior that is modest, humble, and avoids drawing attention to oneself. In Japanese, this concept is deeply tied to cultural values of humility and group harmony.
Describing a person who downplays their own importance or achievements.
A standard adjective/noun meaning 'humble' or 'modest'. Often used positively to describe someone who doesn't boast.
He is a very self-effacing person.
Literally 'restrained', this word describes someone who is modest, reserved, and doesn't push themselves forward.
She is self-effacing and doesn't talk much about her achievements.
Describes a refined, modest elegance, often associated with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Implies depth and grace.
I was impressed by her self-effacing demeanor.
Expressing that someone makes light of their own skills or successes.
Making jokes or comments that put oneself down in a light-hearted way.
Describing behavior that shuns recognition or praise.
To try not to stand out. A common way to describe self-effacing behavior in social settings.
He always tries to be self-effacing.
To not push oneself forward; to be unobtrusive. Often used to describe a self-effacing personality.
She has a self-effacing personality.
In Japanese culture, self-effacing behavior is often expected and seen as a virtue. However, excessive self-deprecation can sometimes be perceived as false modesty or fishing for compliments. Use 謙遜 (kenson) carefully in formal settings.
謙虚 (kenkyo) emphasizes an inner attitude of humility, while 控えめ (hikaeme) focuses on outward reserved behavior. A person can be 控えめ without necessarily being 謙虚, and vice versa.
He spoke self-effacingly about his success.
She often makes self-effacing remarks.