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倹素 (けんそ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

倹けん素そ

Meanings

1

na-adjective, noun

economical and simple; frugal and unadorned

Describes a lifestyle or attitude that avoids luxury and waste, emphasizing simplicity and thrift. Often used in formal or written contexts.

彼かれは倹けん素そな生せい活かつを心こころがけている。
He tries to live a frugal and simple life.
倹けん素そを美び徳とくとする文ぶん化かもある。
Some cultures consider frugality and simplicity a virtue.

Kanji

倹frugal, economy, thrifty
素elementary, principle, naked

Similar words

質しっ素そ
質素 focuses on plainness and lack of decoration, while 倹素 emphasizes thrift and economy alongside simplicity.
倹けん約やく
倹約 is about saving money or resources, often in a practical sense; 倹素 adds the nuance of a simple, unadorned lifestyle.

Etymology

Compound of 倹 (thrift, economy) and 素 (plain, simple). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of economical simplicity.