Translation guide
Describes a person, place, or thing that is modest, natural, and without affectation or showiness. Japanese expresses this through words for simplicity, naturalness, and lack of pretense.
Describe a person who is genuine, humble, and doesn't try to impress others.
Literally 'not putting on airs'. The most common and natural way to describe an unpretentious person. Used for someone who is relaxed, genuine, and doesn't act superior.
He's a very unpretentious person.
Her unpretentious personality is liked by everyone.
Means 'casual' or 'unaffected'. Often used for actions or manner that are natural and not deliberately showy. Can describe a person's style.
I like his unpretentious kindness.
Literally 'not decorating'. Describes someone who is straightforward and doesn't embellish their words or actions. Similar to 'unadorned'.
I was drawn to his unpretentious character.
Means 'humble'. More focused on modesty about one's abilities or status. Often used in formal contexts.
She remains unpretentious even after success.
Describe a restaurant, shop, or location that is comfortable and without pretension.
Means 'popular' or 'for the common people'. Used for places that are down-to-earth, affordable, and not high-class. Very common for restaurants and bars.
This shop has an unpretentious atmosphere and is relaxing.
Same as for people, but can also describe a place that is not trying to be fancy.
I had coffee at an unpretentious cafe.
Describes a place that is small, cozy, and unassuming. Often used for restaurants or shops that are charming without being showy.
Describe clothing, design, or presentation that is understated and elegant in its simplicity.
Means 'plain' or 'sober'. Often used for clothing or appearance that is not flashy. Can have a slightly negative nuance of 'dull', but in context can mean unpretentious.
She dresses in an unpretentious way, but is very charming.
Means 'moderate' or 'restrained'. Used for colors, designs, or behavior that is not loud or excessive. Positive nuance of refined simplicity.
Also used for style that is casually elegant without obvious effort.
Describe language that is clear, simple, and without unnecessary complexity.
Means 'easy' or 'plain'. Used for language that is simple and accessible. Common in descriptions of writing style.
This book is written in unpretentious language.
Means 'easy to understand'. Implies the speaker/writer avoids jargon and pretension.
Both mean unpretentious, but 気取らない focuses on not acting superior or fancy, while 飾らない emphasizes not hiding one's true self or embellishing. 気取らない is more common for people and places; 飾らない is often used for personality or words.
謙虚 (humble) is only for people's attitudes. Using it for a restaurant or design would be unnatural. Use 庶民的 or 気取らない instead.
I like unpretentious izakaya pubs.
We ate at an unpretentious little restaurant.
控えめなデザインのバッグを選んだ。
I chose a bag with an unpretentious design.
さりげないおしゃれが上手だ。
She's good at unpretentious, casual style.
His explanations are always unpretentious and helpful.