It describes a humble, moderate, and dignified way of living or behaving.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a modest and unassuming lifestyle.
- Describes someone who is humble and avoids extravagance.
- Conveys a sense of dignity and moderation.
使用パターン：主に「慎ましい生活」「慎ましい態度」「慎ましい暮らし」のように、名詞を修飾する形で使われます。また、「慎ましく暮らす」「慎ましく振る舞う」と動詞を修飾する副詞的な使い方も一般的です。
- 1一般的な文脈：経済的に贅沢をせず、分相応に満足する生活態度や、他者に対して謙虚で控えめな態度を示す際に用いられます。特に日本の文化においては、謙虚さは美徳とされるため、この言葉は非常に好意的な評価として使われます。
- 1類語との比較：「質素」は単に物や金銭が少ないことを指しますが、「慎ましい」には心のあり方や品位というニュアンスが加わります。「謙虚」は主に態度に関する言葉ですが、「慎ましい」は生活全般や身なり、雰囲気にも広く使われます。
Examples
彼らは慎ましい生活を送っている。
everydayThey live a modest life.
彼女の慎ましい態度は多くの人に尊敬されている。
formalHer modest attitude is respected by many.
慎ましく暮らすことが一番だ。
informalLiving modestly is the best.
古来より、日本人は慎ましい精神を大切にしてきた。
academicSince ancient times, Japanese people have valued a modest spirit.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
慎ましく生きる
to live modestly
慎ましい身なり
modest attire
Often Confused With
Refers mainly to the lack of luxury or simple material conditions. It lacks the emotional nuance of dignity found in 'tsutsumashii'.
Refers to being plain or lacking color. It can sometimes sound negative, whereas 'tsutsumashii' is almost always positive.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is formal but can be used in daily conversation. It is appropriate for describing people or lifestyles in a respectful manner. It should not be used when you want to highlight someone's lack of confidence.
Common Mistakes
Some learners mistake it for 'poor'. It is important to emphasize that it is a choice or a virtue, not a state of suffering. Avoid using it to describe objects that are simply broken or old.
Tips
Use to praise humble lifestyles
When describing someone's modest lifestyle, using this word shows respect. It implies that the person is content and dignified.
Avoid confusing with negative terms
Do not confuse it with 'poor' or 'cheap'. It focuses on the attitude of moderation, not the lack of resources.
Cultural value of modesty
In Japan, modesty is a highly valued trait. Calling someone 'tsutsumashii' is a compliment that acknowledges their inner strength.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'tsutsushimu' (to be discreet/to refrain). It carries the sense of holding back one's desires out of respect or self-control.
Cultural Context
The word reflects the Japanese aesthetic of 'wabi-sabi', where finding beauty in simple, unadorned things is considered a sign of maturity and depth.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tsutsumashii' as 'too-sum-ashii' (too simple, but classy). It’s about being simple but having a refined, humble soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「質素」は単に贅沢をしない状態を指しますが、「慎ましい」には控えめで品があるという情緒的な評価が含まれます。
はい、非常にポジティブな言葉です。過度な自己主張をしない美徳を称える際に使われます。
基本的にはポジティブですが、文脈によっては「消極的」や「自信がない」というニュアンスで受け取られる可能性もゼロではありません。
生活態度や人柄を説明する際に使います。日常会話でもビジネスの場でも丁寧な表現として使えます。
Test Yourself
彼女はいつも___な服装を好む。
控えめで落ち着いた様子を表す「慎ましい」が文脈に合います。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes a humble, moderate, and dignified way of living or behaving.
- Refers to a modest and unassuming lifestyle.
- Describes someone who is humble and avoids extravagance.
- Conveys a sense of dignity and moderation.
Use to praise humble lifestyles
When describing someone's modest lifestyle, using this word shows respect. It implies that the person is content and dignified.
Avoid confusing with negative terms
Do not confuse it with 'poor' or 'cheap'. It focuses on the attitude of moderation, not the lack of resources.
Cultural value of modesty
In Japan, modesty is a highly valued trait. Calling someone 'tsutsumashii' is a compliment that acknowledges their inner strength.
Examples
4 of 4彼らは慎ましい生活を送っている。
They live a modest life.
彼女の慎ましい態度は多くの人に尊敬されている。
Her modest attitude is respected by many.
慎ましく暮らすことが一番だ。
Living modestly is the best.
古来より、日本人は慎ましい精神を大切にしてきた。
Since ancient times, Japanese people have valued a modest spirit.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
