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慎ましい

B1 adjective #6,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

慎ましい

상위 6,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 慎ましい 30초 만에

설명 慎ましい in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '慎ましい' (tsutsushii) often, as it is a bit advanced. However, it's good to know that it means 'quiet' or 'modest.' In simple terms, it describes someone who doesn't like to show off. Imagine a person who has a small house and simple clothes but is very happy and polite. That is 'tsutsushii.' You might see it in simple stories. For now, think of it as a very polite way to say 'simple' or 'quiet.' You can remember it by thinking of a person bowing their head politely. It's an 'i-adjective,' so it follows the same rules as 'oishii' (delicious) or 'takai' (expensive). If you want to say 'a modest house,' you say 'tsutsushii ie.'

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For A2 learners, '慎ましい' (tsutsushii) is a useful word to describe a person's character or a type of life. While 'shizuka' means 'quiet' (noise-wise), 'tsutsushii' means 'quiet' in terms of personality and lifestyle. It is a very positive word. If you use it to describe your grandparents' life in the countryside, it sounds very respectful. It means they live a simple life without spending too much money, but they are very dignified. You can use the adverb 'tsutsushiku' to describe how someone lives: 'tsutsushiku kurasu' (to live modestly). It's common in books and formal writing. Don't confuse it with 'hazukashii' (embarrassed).

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At the B1 level, you should start using '慎ましい' (tsutsushii) to add nuance to your descriptions. It goes beyond just 'simple' (shisso) or 'humble' (kenkyo). It implies a sense of self-restraint and moral dignity. In Japan, being 'tsutsushii' is a virtue. It's often used to describe someone who is polite, doesn't brag, and lives a life that is not wasteful. For example, 'tsutsushii taido' (a modest attitude) is often praised in job interviews or formal meetings. It is an i-adjective, so you can conjugate it: 'tsutsushikatta' (was modest). It's also frequently used to describe traditional settings, like a small, beautiful garden or a quiet temple.

At the B2 level, you should recognize the cultural depth of '慎ましい' (tsutsushii). It is closely related to the Japanese concept of 'enryo' (reserve/restraint). It describes a person who consciously chooses not to be the center of attention out of respect for others. You will see this word in news reports about the Imperial Family or in high-level literature. It's also used in economic contexts to describe a 'modest budget' (tsutsushii yosan). When you use this word, you are signaling that you understand the value of simplicity and humility in Japanese culture. Pay attention to how it contrasts with 'jimi' (plain) and 'shisso' (frugal).

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For C1 learners, '慎ましい' (tsutsushii) is a tool for expressing subtle social and aesthetic judgments. It often appears in literary criticism or essays discussing 'wabi-sabi' and the beauty of restraint. The word carries a connotation of 'refined poverty' or 'noble simplicity.' You should be able to use it in complex sentences to describe the atmosphere of a place or the nuanced behavior of a historical figure. It's also used in formal apologies or humble speech (kenjougo) contexts, where one might describe their own offerings or actions as 'tsutsushii' to show respect to the recipient. Understanding the kanji '慎' (restraint/caution) is essential for grasping its full meaning.

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At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '慎ましい' (tsutsushii) and its evocative power. It is a word that can set the entire tone of a piece of writing. It suggests a philosophy of life where one finds beauty in the minimal and strength in the quiet. You should be able to distinguish between its use as a social descriptor (modest behavior) and an aesthetic one (unpretentious beauty). In advanced discourse, you might discuss how the 'tsutsushii' ideal has changed in modern, consumer-driven Japan. You should also be comfortable with its adverbial form 'tsutsushiku' in formal, ceremonial language, such as 'tsutsushiku ai-moushi-agemasu' (I humbly offer my condolences/congratulations).

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

慎ましい 30초 만에

Positive adjective meaning modest or humble.
Describes both personality and simple lifestyles.
Implies a sense of dignity and self-restraint.
Commonly used in formal and literary contexts.

The Japanese adjective 慎ましい (つつましい, tsutsushii) is a profound word that encapsulates a core virtue of Japanese aesthetics and social ethics. At its most basic level, it translates to "modest," "humble," or "reserved," but these English terms often fail to capture the layers of respect and self-restraint inherent in the Japanese term. It describes a state of being where one does not push their ego forward, nor do they indulge in extravagance. Instead, they lead a life or maintain an attitude that is quiet, dignified, and respectful of others and their surroundings. This word is frequently used to describe a person's lifestyle, their physical appearance, or their manner of speaking and behaving in social contexts. It is a highly positive attribute in Japanese culture, associated with inner strength and refinement rather than a lack of means or confidence.

Lifestyle Nuance: When applied to a lifestyle, 慎ましい implies living within one's means with a sense of grace. It is not just about being poor; it is about choosing a simple, frugal life that avoids waste and flashiness. A person living a 慎ましい生活 (tsutsushii seikatsu) finds satisfaction in small, everyday things.

彼女は慎ましい生活を送っているが、その心はとても豊かだ。 (She leads a modest life, but her heart is very rich.)

Behavioral Nuance: In social interactions, it describes someone who is polite and doesn't seek the spotlight. It suggests a person who is careful with their words and actions to avoid causing discomfort or being overbearing to others. It is the opposite of being arrogant or loud.

Historically, this word comes from the verb 慎む (tsutsumu), which means to be discreet, to restrain oneself, or to be cautious. Therefore, the adjective form carries the weight of intentional self-regulation. You will often hear this word in literature or formal settings to praise someone's character. For instance, a bride might be described as having a 慎ましい態度 (tsutsushii taido - modest attitude), which in a traditional context is seen as a sign of high upbringing and good character. It is also used when discussing personal budgets or public spending, suggesting a responsible and unpretentious use of resources. Understanding 慎ましい is key to understanding the Japanese value of 'wa' (harmony), as it represents the individual's effort to maintain harmony by not overextending their presence or demands on the world.

彼は慎ましい態度で列の最後に並んだ。 (He joined the end of the line with a humble attitude.)

Economic Context: In economic discussions, it refers to a budget or expenditure that is scaled back and not wasteful. It is often used to describe a small, private celebration versus a large, public party.

Using 慎ましい correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an i-adjective and its semantic weight. Because it is an i-adjective, it can directly modify nouns or function as the predicate of a sentence. When modifying a noun, it adds a layer of virtuous restraint to the object. For example, 慎ましい暮らし (tsutsushii kurashi) translates to 'a modest living,' suggesting a life that is simple but respected. When used as a predicate, as in 「彼の態度は慎ましい」(Kare no taido wa tsutsushii), it serves as a direct description of his character or behavior.

Modifying Nouns: The most common nouns modified by 慎ましい are 生活 (life/living), 態度 (attitude), 暮らし (living/lifestyle), and 振る舞い (behavior). It paints a picture of someone who is not seeking attention.

祖父母は田舎で慎ましい夕食を楽しんだ。 (My grandparents enjoyed a modest dinner in the countryside.)

Adverbial Form: By changing the final ~i to ~ku, you create the adverb 慎ましく (tsutsushiku). This is used to describe *how* an action is performed. For example, 慎ましく暮らす (to live modestly).

彼女はどんな時も慎ましく振る舞った。 (She behaved modestly no matter the occasion.)

One important aspect of using 慎ましい is the register. It is a somewhat literary and formal word. While you might use it in daily conversation, it often appears in written Japanese, formal speeches, or when describing someone you hold in high regard. It is not a slang term. If you want to describe someone as being simply 'shy' or 'quiet' in a casual way, words like 大人しい (otonashii) or 控えめ (hikaeme) might be more common. However, if you want to emphasize the *virtue* of their quietness and their lack of arrogance, 慎ましい is the perfect choice. In negative contexts, failing to be 慎ましい is often seen as being 'unrefined' or 'insolent,' though the word itself is almost always used to describe the positive presence of modesty.

その寺院は山の中に慎ましく佇んでいた。 (The temple stood modestly in the mountains.)

You will encounter 慎ましい in a variety of contexts that range from classical literature to modern news reports. In literature, it is a staple for describing the ideal characteristics of a protagonist who is noble but poor, or a secondary character who provides a moral compass through their humble nature. Authors like Natsume Soseki or Yasunari Kawabata often used this word to evoke a sense of traditional Japanese beauty found in simplicity. In modern media, you might hear it during news broadcasts when a reporter describes the funeral of a public figure that was kept 'modest and private' (慎ましく執り行われた - tsutsushiku toriokonawareta).

In Documentaries: Documentaries about artisans (shokunin) or traditional craftsmen often use 慎ましい to describe their lifestyle. It highlights their dedication to their craft over material wealth.

職人の家は慎ましい造りだったが、手入れが行き届いていた。 (The craftsman's house was modest in construction, but well-maintained.)

Wedding and Ceremonial Speeches: During a wedding toast, an older relative might use the word to describe the couple's new life together, wishing them a '慎ましいながらも幸せな家庭' (a modest but happy home).

Furthermore, in the world of Japanese aesthetics (like tea ceremony or ikebana), 慎ましい is used to describe arrangements or settings that are not flashy but possess an underlying elegance. It is closely tied to the concept of 'wabi-sabi.' You might also hear it in political discourse when discussing '慎ましい予算' (a modest budget), implying a fiscally responsible approach. Interestingly, in the context of fashion, a 慎ましい服装 (tsutsushii fukuso) refers to clothing that is conservative and not revealing, suitable for formal or somber occasions. It conveys a sense of respect for the event and the other participants.

彼女は慎ましい色の着物を選んだ。 (She chose a kimono of a modest color.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is confusing 慎ましい with other words for 'small' or 'low.' For example, using it to mean 'cheap' in a negative sense is incorrect. 慎ましい always carries a nuance of dignity. If you call a cheap, dirty apartment 慎ましい, it sounds like you are trying to be overly polite or poetic about a place that is simply run-down. Instead, 慎ましい should be used for a place that is small but clean and respected. Another common error is confusing it with 恥ずかしい (hazukashii - embarrassed/shy). While both involve a sense of 'holding back,' 慎ましい is a chosen moral stance, whereas 恥ずかしい is an emotional reaction.

Mistaking for 'Shy': Don't use 慎ましい just because someone is introverted. Use it when their 'quietness' is a result of their politeness and respect for social boundaries.

Incorrect: 彼は恥ずかしいから慎ましい。 (He is modest because he is embarrassed.)
Correct: 彼は謙虚なので、振る舞いが慎ましい。 (He is humble, so his behavior is modest.)

Confusing with 質素 (Shisso): While often interchangeable, 質素 focuses on the 'plainness' of things (like food), while 慎ましい focuses on the 'restraint' of the person or the overall atmosphere. 質素な食事 is a plain meal; 慎ましい食事 is a meal eaten with a modest heart.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the kanji. The kanji 慎 (shin) is also used in 慎重 (shinchou - cautious). It's easy to accidentally use 慎ましい when you actually mean 'careful' in a physical sense (like being careful not to break something). For physical care, use 気をつける (ki o tsukeru). 慎ましい is about social and moral care. Finally, be careful not to use it to describe yourself in a way that sounds like you are praising your own modesty, as that would be the opposite of being 慎ましい! In Japanese, true modesty is shown through actions and the use of humble language (keigo), rather than stating 'I am modest.'

Avoid: 私は慎ましい人です。 (I am a modest person.)
Better: 慎ましく生きたいと思っています。 (I wish to live modestly.)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 慎ましい, each with its own specific nuance. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternatives are 謙虚 (kenkyo), 控えめ (hikaeme), and 質素 (shisso). While they all touch on the idea of not being 'too much,' they are used in different contexts.

慎ましい vs. 謙虚 (Kenkyo): 謙虚 (Humble) is primarily used for a person's attitude regarding their abilities or achievements. A 謙虚 person says "I still have much to learn" even if they are an expert. 慎ましい is broader, covering lifestyle and general behavior.

慎ましい vs. 控えめ (Hikaeme): 控えめ (Reserved/Low-key) is often used for preferences or quantities. For example, 砂糖控えめ (low sugar). When applied to people, it means they are holding back or being conservative in their actions.

慎ましい vs. 質素 (Shisso): 質素 (Simple/Frugal) focuses on the lack of luxury. 質素な食事 is a meal with very basic ingredients. 慎ましい adds a layer of moral beauty to that simplicity.

Other words include 地味 (jimi), which means 'plain' or 'sober' in appearance, often used for clothes that aren't colorful. Unlike 慎ましい, 地味 can sometimes have a slightly negative nuance, meaning 'boring' or 'unexciting.' There's also 淑やか (shiyoyaka), which means 'graceful' or 'ladylike,' often paired with 慎ましい to describe a person with traditional virtues. In a business context, you might use 謙遜 (kenson), which is the act of being humble or self-deprecating. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are talking about someone's internal mindset (謙虚), their outward behavior (慎ましい), their physical possessions (質素), or their visual style (地味).

彼は控えめな性格だが、仕事は非常に丁寧だ。 (He has a reserved personality, but his work is very thorough.)

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji 慎 combines 'heart' (忄) with a phonetic component meaning 'truth' or 'fullness,' suggesting a heart full of sincere restraint.

발음 가이드

UK tsɯ̥tsɯᵝɕii

US tsu-tsu-shee

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch rises after the first syllable and stays high.

라임이 맞는 단어

Ureshii (Happy) Kanashii (Sad) Sabishii (Lonely) Yasashii (Kind) Oishii (Delicious) Kibishii (Strict) Ayashii (Suspicious) Kuyashii (Regrettable)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' vowels.
Misplacing the pitch accent on the second syllable.
Confusing the 'shii' ending with 'shii' in 'hazukashii'.
Shortening the final long 'i' sound.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji is recognizable but not extremely common in casual text.

쓰기 4/5

The kanji '慎' has several strokes and requires practice.

말하기 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you can say 'tsu'.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with other 'shii' adjectives.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

しずか (Quiet) やさしい (Kind) せいかつ (Life) ひと (Person) くるま (Car)

다음에 배울 것

謙虚 (Humble) 質素 (Frugal) 慎重 (Cautious) 遠慮 (Reserve) 品格 (Dignity)

고급

奥ゆかしい (Refined) 淑やか (Graceful) 清貧 (Honorable poverty) 自制心 (Self-control) 恬淡 (Indifferent to fame)

알아야 할 문법

i-adjective conjugation

慎ましい -> 慎ましくない -> 慎ましかった

Adverbial form (~ku)

慎ましく暮らす

Noun modification

慎ましい家

Te-form for adjectives

慎ましくて、いい人だ。

Conditional (~kereba)

慎ましければ、問題ない。

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수준별 예문

彼女は慎ましい生活をしています。

She leads a modest life.

Direct modification of 'seikatsu' (life).

彼は慎ましい人です。

He is a modest person.

Simple predicate use.

慎ましい家ですね。

It's a modest house, isn't it?

Sentence ending with 'ne' for agreement.

慎ましい服を着ています。

I am wearing modest clothes.

Describing clothing style.

その猫は慎ましいです。

That cat is reserved/quiet.

Using 'tsutsushii' for personality.

慎ましいプレゼントをあげました。

I gave a modest gift.

Describing the scale of an object.

彼はいつも慎ましいです。

He is always modest.

Adverb 'itsumo' (always) with the adjective.

慎ましい生活はいいです。

A modest life is good.

Subject of the sentence.

田舎で慎ましく暮らしたいです。

I want to live modestly in the countryside.

Adverbial form 'tsutsushiku' modifying 'kurasu' (to live).

彼女の態度はとても慎ましい。

Her attitude is very modest.

Using 'totemo' (very) for emphasis.

慎ましい夕食を食べました。

We ate a modest dinner.

Past tense verb 'tabemashita'.

彼は慎ましい話し方をします。

He speaks in a modest way.

Describing the manner of speaking.

慎ましいけれど、素敵な家です。

It's modest, but it's a lovely house.

Using 'keredo' (but) to show contrast.

私たちは慎ましいお祝いをしました。

We had a modest celebration.

Describing an event.

慎ましい生活には知恵が必要です。

A modest life requires wisdom.

Abstract concept as the subject.

彼女は慎ましい色が好きです。

She likes modest colors.

Describing preferences.

成功しても、彼は慎ましいままだ。

Even though he succeeded, he remains modest.

'Success' contrast with 'mama' (remains).

慎ましい暮らしの中に本当の幸せがある。

True happiness lies within a modest life.

Philosophical usage.

彼女は慎ましい振る舞いで周囲を感心させた。

She impressed everyone with her modest behavior.

Cause and effect relationship.

この計画は慎ましい予算で進められている。

This project is proceeding on a modest budget.

Business/Project context.

祖母は慎ましいながらも、誇り高く生きた。

Though my grandmother lived modestly, she lived with great pride.

'Nagara mo' (while/despite) structure.

慎ましい言葉遣いが彼女の品格を表している。

Her modest choice of words shows her dignity.

Abstract noun modification.

彼は自分の功績を慎ましく語った。

He spoke of his achievements modestly.

Adverbial usage with a verb of speaking.

慎ましい生活を送ることは、現代では難しい。

Leading a modest life is difficult in modern times.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

その作家は、生涯を慎ましいアパートで過ごした。

The author spent their entire life in a modest apartment.

Describing a life story.

慎ましい美しさがこの庭園の魅力です。

The modest beauty is the charm of this garden.

Aesthetic description.

彼女の慎ましい要求はすぐに受け入れられた。

Her modest request was immediately accepted.

Negotiation context.

贅沢を避け、慎ましく身を処すことが大切だ。

It is important to avoid luxury and conduct oneself modestly.

Moral advice/proverbial tone.

慎ましい披露宴だったが、心温まるものだった。

It was a modest wedding reception, but it was heartwarming.

Describing a formal event.

彼は富を築いた後も、慎ましい習慣を崩さなかった。

Even after building wealth, he did not break his modest habits.

Consistency of character.

慎ましい表現の中に、深い悲しみが隠されていた。

A deep sadness was hidden within the modest expressions.

Literary analysis.

その寺の慎ましい佇まいに心を打たれた。

I was moved by the modest appearance of that temple.

Emotional response to aesthetics.

慎ましい生活を美徳とする日本の伝統的な価値観。

The traditional Japanese value of regarding a modest life as a virtue.

Sociological description.

彼は慎ましくも核心を突いた発言をした。

He made a statement that was modest yet hit the heart of the matter.

'Mo' emphasizing the contrast.

その慎ましい装いからは、彼女の地位は想像できなかった。

One could not imagine her status from her modest attire.

Describing a discrepancy.

慎ましい生活様式が環境保護に繋がると考えられている。

It is believed that a modest lifestyle leads to environmental protection.

Academic/Scientific context.

古典文学における慎ましい女性像について考察する。

To consider the image of the modest woman in classical literature.

Research topic.

儀式は慎ましく、かつ厳かに行われた。

The ceremony was conducted modestly yet solemnly.

Formal description of an event.

慎ましい生活を強いる社会構造に疑問を呈する。

To question a social structure that forces a modest life.

Critical/Political usage.

彼の慎ましい沈黙は、雄弁な言葉よりも多くを語った。

His modest silence spoke more than eloquent words.

Metaphorical usage.

慎ましいという言葉の裏には、自己抑制という精神性が潜んでいる。

Behind the word 'tsutsushii' lies a spirituality of self-restraint.

Deep linguistic analysis.

万葉集に見られる、慎ましくも情熱的な恋の歌。

Modest yet passionate love poems found in the Man'yoshu.

Literary history.

彼は慎ましさを処世術として心得ていた。

He understood modesty as a tactic for navigating the world.

Modesty as a noun 'tsutsushisa'.

慎ましい生活の中に見出される「清貧」の思想。

The philosophy of 'honorable poverty' found in a modest life.

Philosophical terminology.

その建築は、周囲の景観に慎ましく溶け込んでいる。

The architecture modestly blends into the surrounding landscape.

Architectural criticism.

慎ましさが美徳とされた時代は、終わりを告げようとしているのか。

Is the era when modesty was considered a virtue coming to an end?

Rhetorical question.

彼女の慎ましい微笑みには、計り知れない強さが秘められていた。

Within her modest smile, an immeasurable strength was hidden.

Character analysis.

慎ましく生きることは、自己との対話を深める行為でもある。

Living modestly is also an act of deepening the dialogue with oneself.

Existential reflection.

자주 쓰는 조합

慎ましい生活

慎ましい態度

慎ましい暮らし

慎ましい披露宴

慎ましい予算

慎ましい喜び

慎ましい服装

慎ましい願い

慎ましい言葉

慎ましい夕食

자주 쓰는 구문

慎ましく暮らす

— To live a modest and quiet life.

年金で慎ましく暮らしている。

慎ましい振る舞い

— Behavior that is respectful and not boastful.

彼女の慎ましい振る舞いに感銘を受けた。

慎ましい家計

— A household budget that is managed carefully.

慎ましい家計をやりくりする。

慎ましい幸せ

— Happiness found in small, simple things.

慎ましい幸せを大切にしたい。

慎ましいながらも

— Even though it is modest (often followed by something positive).

慎ましいながらも温かい家庭だ。

慎ましい美徳

— The virtue of modesty.

慎ましい美徳を忘れない。

慎ましい佇まい

— A modest and dignified appearance (often of a building).

古民家の慎ましい佇まい。

慎ましい性格

— A modest or reserved personality.

彼は慎ましい性格の持ち主だ。

慎ましく控える

— To modestly refrain from doing something.

発言を慎ましく控える。

慎ましい贈り物

— A humble gift, often said when giving one.

慎ましい贈り物ですが、どうぞ。

자주 혼동되는 단어

慎ましい vs 恥ずかしい (Hazukashii)

One is a choice (modesty), the other is an emotion (shame/embarrassment).

慎ましい vs 大人しい (Otonashii)

One implies moral restraint (modesty), the other just means quiet or docile.

慎ましい vs 貧しい (Mazushii)

One is a positive choice of simplicity, the other is the state of being poor/needy.

관용어 및 표현

"慎ましやかに"

— In a modest and quiet manner.

式は慎ましやかに行われた。

Formal

"身を慎む"

— To behave oneself; to be prudent.

しばらくは身を慎みなさい。

Formal

"口を慎む"

— To watch one's tongue.

言葉を慎みなさい。

Neutral

"慎ましいは徳の基"

— Modesty is the foundation of virtue (Proverbial).

慎ましいは徳の基という言葉がある。

Literary

"清貧に甘んじる"

— To be content with honest poverty (related concept).

彼は清貧に甘んじて慎ましく生きた。

Literary

"爪の火をともす"

— To live very frugally (more extreme than tsutsushii).

爪の火をともすような慎ましい生活。

Idiomatic

"控えおろう"

— Step back/Behave yourself (old formal command).

控えおろう！と言って静止させた。

Archaic

"謙譲の美"

— The beauty of humility.

日本には謙譲の美という考えがある。

Formal

"能ある鷹は爪を隠す"

— A skilled hawk hides its talons (talented people are modest).

彼はまさに能ある鷹は爪を隠す、慎ましい人だ。

Idiomatic

"実るほど頭の下がる稲穂かな"

— The more grain the rice stalk bears, the lower it bows (the more successful, the more humble).

慎ましい彼を見ると思い出す言葉だ。

Literary

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慎ましい vs 質素 (Shisso)

Both mean simple/frugal.

Shisso is about the lack of luxury in objects; Tsutsushii is about the person's heart and manner.

質素な食事 (plain food) vs 慎ましい食事 (modest meal).

慎ましい vs 謙虚 (Kenkyo)

Both mean humble.

Kenkyo is specifically about not being arrogant about skills; Tsutsushii covers lifestyle and overall behavior.

謙虚な返事 (humble reply) vs 慎ましい生活 (modest life).

慎ましい vs 控えめ (Hikaeme)

Both mean reserved.

Hikaeme is about quantity or holding back; Tsutsushii is a character trait.

砂糖控えめ (low sugar) vs 慎ましい人 (modest person).

慎ましい vs 地味 (Jimi)

Both mean plain.

Jimi can be negative (boring); Tsutsushii is always positive and dignified.

地味な色 (drab color) vs 慎ましい色 (modest color).

慎ましい vs 遠慮 (Enryo)

Both involve restraint.

Enryo is the act of declining or being hesitant; Tsutsushii is the state of being modest.

遠慮する (to decline) vs 慎ましい人 (modest person).

문장 패턴

[Person] は慎ましいです。

田中さんは慎ましいです。

慎ましい [Noun] を送る。

慎ましい生活を送る。

慎ましく [Verb]。

慎ましく暮らす。

慎ましいながらも [Positive trait]。

慎ましいながらも幸せだ。

[Noun] の慎ましい佇まい。

お寺の慎ましい佇まい。

慎ましい [Noun] に徹する。

慎ましい生活に徹する。

慎ましさを [Verb]。

慎ましさを忘れない。

慎ましくも [Contrast adjective] [Noun]。

慎ましくも力強い言葉。

어휘 가족

명사

慎み (tsutsumi) - Restraint

慎み深さ (tsutsumibukasa) - Great modesty

동사

慎む (tsutsumu) - To refrain, to be discreet

형용사

慎み深い (tsutsumibukai) - Very modest/discreet

사용법

frequency

Common in written Japanese; moderately common in polite speech.

자주 하는 실수

Using it for 'cheap/bad quality'. → Using 'yasuppoi' or 'shitsu ga warui'.
'Tsutsushii' always implies dignity, never bad quality.
Using it to mean 'shy' (as in social anxiety). → Using 'hazukashigariya'.
'Tsutsushii' is a moral choice, not a lack of confidence.
Describing yourself as 'tsutsushii' to brag. → Just acting modest without saying it.
Saying you are modest is the opposite of being modest.
Confusing 'tsutsushii' with 'shinchou' (cautious). → Using 'shinchou' for physical safety.
'Tsutsushii' is social/moral; 'shinchou' is about avoiding errors.
Misspelling as 'tsutsushii' with an extra 'u'. → 慎ましい (tsutsushii).
Ensure the 'tsu' sounds are balanced.

팁

The Virtue of Silence

In Japan, 'tsutsushii' behavior often speaks louder than words. Being quiet is a sign of strength.

Pairing with Lifestyle

Always try to use 'tsutsushii' when describing a life that is simple but happy. It adds a poetic touch.

Adverbial Nuance

Use 'tsutsushiku' when you want to describe the *way* someone carries themselves in a crowd.

Beyond 'Kenkyo'

If you only know 'kenkyo,' learn 'tsutsushii' to describe a person's entire way of being, not just their talk.

Heart of Truth

Remember the kanji has the 'heart' radical. It's about what's inside, not just outward appearance.

Wabi-Sabi Link

This word is the linguistic cousin of Wabi-Sabi. It finds beauty in the unadorned.

The Humble Gift

When giving a gift, you can call it '慎ましいもの' to show you don't think too highly of your own offering.

Literary Clue

When you see this word in a novel, the author is likely signaling that the character is trustworthy.

Building Trust

Acting 'tsutsushii' in a new group in Japan helps build trust as you are seen as non-threatening.

Softening the Blow

You can use 'tsutsushiku' to soften a request or a statement, making it sound more polite.

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기억법

Imagine a person who is 'too-too-shy' (tsu-tsu-shi) to show off their riches, so they live in a modest house.

시각적 연상

A single, beautiful white flower in a simple wooden vase—not flashy, but dignified and 'tsutsushii'.

Word Web

Modest Humble Simple Reserved Dignified Frugal Quiet Polite

챌린지

Try to describe your favorite quiet place using 'tsutsushii' in a sentence today.

어원

Derived from the ancient Japanese verb 'tsutsushimu,' which meant to hold oneself back or to be in a state of religious or social taboo (imi).

원래 의미: To be cautious and respectful of divine or social boundaries.

Japonic

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use it to describe someone's poverty in a way that sounds patronizing.

In the West, 'modest' can sometimes imply a lack of confidence, but in Japan, 'tsutsushii' implies a surplus of character.

The 'Ideal Woman' in Meiji-era literature. The aesthetic of the Tea Ceremony (Wabi-cha). Post-war Japanese films (e.g., Ozu's 'Tokyo Story').

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실제 사용 상황

Describing a home

慎ましい家
慎ましい暮らし
慎ましい佇まい
慎ましいインテリア

Describing behavior

慎ましい態度
慎ましい振る舞い
慎ましい言葉遣い
慎ましく控える

Describing a wedding

慎ましい式
慎ましい披露宴
慎ましいお祝い
慎ましく執り行う

Describing a person

慎ましい性格
慎ましい女性
慎ましい人柄
慎ましい美しさ

Economic settings

慎ましい予算
慎ましい生活費
慎ましい支出
慎ましい家計

대화 시작하기

"慎ましい生活についてどう思いますか？"

"最近、慎ましい幸せを感じたことはありますか？"

"慎ましい態度が大切だと思う場面はどこですか？"

"あなたの国では、慎ましい人はどう思われますか？"

"慎ましい暮らしをすることのメリットは何だと思いますか？"

일기 주제

今日感じた、慎ましいけれど素敵な出来事について書いてください。

もし慎ましい生活を送るとしたら、何を一番大切にしますか？

あなたが尊敬する『慎ましい人』は誰ですか？その理由を教えてください。

『慎ましい』と『派手』、あなたはどちらの生き方が好きですか？

日本の『慎ましい』という文化について、自分の意見をまとめてください。

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, but it sounds very formal. It would imply the child is exceptionally polite and well-behaved for their age. Usually, 'otonashii' (quiet) is used for children.

Yes, it is a very high compliment in Japan. It suggests that the person has great character and doesn't need to show off to feel important.

No. While a 'tsutsushii' life might not involve much money, the word focuses on the dignity and choice of the person, not their lack of funds. 'Mazushii' means poor.

Yes, it is gender-neutral. It describes a virtuous man just as well as a virtuous woman.

Yes, especially regarding budgets (慎ましい予算) or when describing a humble but successful company culture.

'Tsutsumibukai' is more intense and specifically emphasizes the depth of a person's modesty and discretion. 'Tsutsushii' is more general.

You say 'Kare wa tsutsushiku kurashite imasu' (彼は慎ましく暮らしています).

Yes, '慎ましい食事' means a modest, simple meal. It sounds more respectful than just saying 'cheap food'.

'Pa-de' (flashy) or 'Gouman' (arrogant) are common opposites depending on the context.

It is a Level 2 Kanji (JLPT N2/N1). It's not in the most basic set, but it's very common in literature.

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