控(ひか)え目(め)

ひかえめ
na-adjective
modest, restrained, reserved
descriptivepersonality
See also: 控(ひか)えめ (moderate, reserved)
1. modest, restrained, reserved, understated
Being moderate or restrained in behavior, expression, or quantity. Avoiding excess or drawing attention to oneself.
控(ひか)え目(め)な性格(せいかく)
a reserved personality
彼女(かのじょ)は控(ひか)え目(め)に見積(みつも)っても優秀(ゆうしゅう)だ。
Even by modest estimation, she is excellent.
塩分(えんぶん)は控(ひか)え目(め)にしてください。
Please go easy on the salt.

Adjective type: Na-adjective. Uses な before nouns: 控(ひか)え目(め)な人(ひと).

Adverbial form: 控(ひか)え目(め)に (modestly, in moderation)

Nuance: 控(ひか)え目(め) is generally positive when describing personality (modest, unassuming) but can be neutral when describing quantities (moderate amount). It's valued in Japanese culture as a sign of good manners.

Orthography: Also written as 控(ひか)えめ or ひかえめ.

Common collocations

  • 控(ひか)え目(め)な性格(せいかく) (reserved personality)
  • 控(ひか)え目(め)に見積(みつも)っても (even by modest estimation)
  • 控(ひか)え目(め)にする (to moderate, go easy on)
  • 控(ひか)え目(め)な態度(たいど) (modest attitude)

Related words

Related Words

Antonym: 厚(あつ)かましい (shameless)
Synonym: 遠慮(えんりょ) (reserved)
Related: 謙虚(けんきょ) (humble, modest)
Related: 遠慮(えんりょ)がち (reserved, hesitant)
Related: 地味(じみ) (plain, subdued)
Related: 大人(おとな)しい (quiet, gentle)
Compare: 謙遜(けんそん) (modesty, humility)
general
Added 2026.1.31 20:31 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
09000/09160_hikaeme