Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #6,000 le plus courant 2 min de lecture

慎ましい

Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Notes et astuces

§ Don't Confuse with Shy or Timid

Many learners mistakenly equate 慎ましい (tsumashii) with simply being shy or timid. While a modest person might also be shy, the core meaning of 慎ましい goes beyond that. It speaks to a person's character, their outlook on life, and their general approach to showing off or drawing attention to themselves. Shyness is a feeling; modesty is a way of being.

§ Not About Lack of Confidence

Another common pitfall is thinking that someone who is 慎ましい lacks confidence. This isn't true. A person can be highly skilled and confident in their abilities, yet still be 慎ましい. They might not boast about their achievements or demand praise, but that doesn't mean they don't believe in themselves. It's about not seeking external validation or drawing undue attention to their successes.

彼女は優秀な科学者だが、とても慎ましい人だ。

Hint: She is an excellent scientist, but a very modest/reserved person.

§ Using It for Material Things

While 慎ましい can describe a 'modest lifestyle' (慎ましい生活 - tsumashii seikatsu), meaning simple and without extravagance, it's not typically used to describe individual objects as 'modest' in the sense of being small or cheap. For example, you wouldn't say 慎ましい車 (tsumashii kuruma) for a small car; you'd use 小さい車 (chiisai kuruma). When applied to things, it refers to the lack of ostentation or excess.

§ Overusing It for Everything Humble

Japanese has various words for 'humble' depending on the context. While 慎ましい is a good general term for a person's modest character, don't overuse it for every situation where 'humble' might fit in English. For example, when you are humbly asking for something, or referring to your own company in a humble way, different expressions are used (e.g., 恐れ入ります - osoreirimasu, 弊社 - heisha).

彼女はいつも慎ましい服装をしている。

Hint: She always wears modest/unassuming clothing.

Understanding these nuances will help you use 慎ましい more accurately and naturally in Japanese. It's a useful word for describing a particular type of admirable character and lifestyle.

Astuces

Learn the nuance of 'modest'

「慎ましい」often refers to someone who is humble and doesn't draw attention to themselves, especially regarding their achievements or possessions. It's about being reserved, not necessarily shy.

Use with people and lifestyles

You'll most frequently hear 「慎ましい」describing a person's character or their way of life. For example, a modest lifestyle (慎ましい生活) or a reserved person (慎ましい人).

Don't confuse with 'shy'

While a modest person might seem quiet, 「慎ましい」doesn't directly mean 'shy' (恥ずかしい or 内気な). It's more about a deliberate choice to be unassuming and not boastful.

Appreciated trait in Japan

Being 「慎ましい」is generally considered a positive and admirable trait in Japanese culture, reflecting a sense of humility and consideration for others.

Contrast with 'arrogant'

To understand 「慎ましい」better, think of its opposite: someone who is arrogant or boastful. A 「慎ましい」person avoids such behavior.

Look for examples in media

Pay attention to how 「慎ましい」is used in Japanese dramas, anime, or books. This will give you a better feel for its natural usage in context.

Practice with example sentences

Try creating your own sentences using 「慎ましい」. For instance, 「彼女はいつも慎ましい服装をしている」 (She always wears modest clothes).

Related words: 'humble'

Other words that convey similar ideas, though not identical, include 「謙虚な」 (けんきょな - humble, modest) or 「控えめな」 (ひかえめな - reserved, moderate).

Not for 'small' or 'insignificant'

「慎ましい」doesn't mean 'small' in size or 'insignificant'. It specifically relates to behavior, attitude, or lifestyle being unpretentious.

Consider the context

The exact English translation of 「慎ましい」can vary slightly depending on the context, but the core idea of being modest, humble, or reserved remains.