地味(じみ)

じみ
na-adjective
plain, simple, sober
1. plain, simple, modest
Not showy or flashy. Describes something subdued in appearance or style.
地味(じみ)な服(ふく)を着(き)ています。
I'm wearing plain clothes.
地味(じみ)な仕事(しごと)だけど、やりがいがある。
It's unglamorous work, but it's rewarding.
この部屋(へや)は少(すこ)し地味(じみ)だね。
This room is a bit plain, isn't it?
見(み)た目(め)は地味(じみ)だけど美味(おい)しい料理(りょうり)だ。
It's a plain-looking dish, but it's delicious.
派手(はで)な服(ふく)より地味(じみ)な服(ふく)のほうが長(なが)く着(き)られると思(おも)うので、買(か)い物(もの)をするときは落(お)ち着(つ)いた色(いろ)を選(えら)んでいる。
I think plain clothes can be worn longer than flashy ones, so when shopping I choose subdued colors.
2. sober, conservative
Understated, without ostentation. Often used for colors, clothing, or personalities.
彼女(かのじょ)は地味(じみ)な性格(せいかく)です。
She has a quiet/reserved personality.
地味(じみ)な色(いろ)が好(す)きです。
I like subdued colors.
地味(じみ)に生(い)きていきたい。
I want to live a modest life.
地味(じみ)な味付(あじつ)けが好(この)みです。
I prefer subtle seasoning.
彼(かれ)は地味(じみ)だが確実(かくじつ)な仕事(しごと)ぶりで信頼(しんらい)されている。
He's trusted for his unassuming but reliable work style.

地味(じみ) is a na-adjective meaning plain or understated.

FORMS:

  • Adverbial: 地味(じみ)に (plainly, modestly)
  • Noun modifier: 地味(じみ)な + noun

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 地味(じみ)な服(ふく)/色(いろ) (plain clothes/colors)
  • 地味(じみ)な仕事(しごと) (unglamorous work)
  • 地味(じみ)に見(み)える (look plain)

ANTONYM:

  • 派手(はで): showy, flashy, gaudy

The contrast 地味(じみ) vs 派手(はで) is very common in Japanese.

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Added 2026.1.9 20:41 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
01500/01573_jimi