奥(おく)ゆかしい

おくゆかしい
i-adjective
refined; elegant; modest; graceful
personalityaestheticsculture
Conjugation
AffirmativeNegative
Present奥(おく)ゆかしい奥(おく)ゆかしくない
Past奥(おく)ゆかしかった奥(おく)ゆかしくなかった
て form奥(おく)ゆかしくて奥(おく)ゆかしくなくて
Adverbial奥(おく)ゆかしく—
Conditional ば奥(おく)ゆかしければ奥(おく)ゆかしくなければ
Conditional たら奥(おく)ゆかしかったら奥(おく)ゆかしくなかったら
1. refined; elegant; modest; graceful
describes someone or something with a dignified, understated elegance that doesn't seek attention
奥(おく)ゆかしい人柄(ひとがら)に惹(ひ)かれた。
I was drawn to their refined personality.
彼女(かのじょ)の振(ふ)る舞(ま)いは奥(おく)ゆかしい。
Her manner is elegant and modest.
京都(きょうと)には奥(おく)ゆかしい雰囲気(ふんいき)のお店(みせ)が多(おお)い。
There are many shops with a refined atmosphere in Kyoto.

Usage

  • 奥(おく)ゆかしい人(ひと) (a refined/modest person)
  • 奥(おく)ゆかしい雰囲気(ふんいき) (an elegant atmosphere)
  • 奥(おく)ゆかしさ (noun form: refinement, modesty)

A distinctly Japanese aesthetic concept. Describes a quality of understated elegance, reserve, and depth. Someone 奥(おく)ゆかしい doesn't flaunt their virtues but has a quiet dignity that becomes apparent over time. Often associated with traditional Japanese culture and values.

Etymology

From 奥(おく) (deep, inner) + ゆかしい (elegant, refined)

Related Words

Compare: 遠慮深(えんりょぶか)い (reserved)
general
Added 2026.1.25 17:30 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08000/08219_okuyukashii