質 素(しっそ)

しっそ

na-adjective

simple, plain, frugal

1. simple, plain, modest, frugal

Describes a lifestyle, appearance, or object that is simple and unpretentious, without luxury or extravagance. Often carries positive connotations of modesty and good values.

質素(しっそ)な暮(く)らし

a simple lifestyle

質素(しっそ)な食事(しょくじ)だが、栄養(えいよう)は十分(じゅうぶん)だ。

The meal is simple but nutritious enough.

質素(しっそ)倹約(けんやく)を旨(むね)として生(い)きてきた祖父母(そふぼ)を尊敬(そんけい)している。

I respect my grandparents who have lived by the principle of simple frugality.

Adjective type: Na-adjective. Uses な before nouns: 質素(しっそ)な生活(せいかつ).

Adverbial form: 質素(しっそ)に (simply, frugally)

Nuance: 質素(しっそ) typically has positive connotations - it suggests admirable simplicity and lack of pretension rather than poverty. It's often associated with traditional Japanese values of modesty.

Four-character compound: 質素(しっそ)倹約(けんやく) (simple and frugal) is a common phrase describing a modest, thrifty lifestyle.

Common collocations

質素(しっそ)な暮(く)らし/生活(せいかつ) (simple life)
質素(しっそ)な食事(しょくじ) (simple meal)
質素(しっそ)倹約(けんやく) (simple frugality)
質素(しっそ)に暮(く)らす (to live simply)

Related words

簡素(かんそ) (simple, plain - similar)
地味(じみ) (plain, subdued)
倹約(けんやく) (thrift, economy)
華麗(かれい) (splendid, gorgeous - opposite)
豪華(ごうか) (luxurious - opposite)

Related Words

Synonym: 簡素(かんそ) (simple, plain)

Synonym: 地味(じみ) (plain, subdued)

Related: 倹約(けんやく) (thrift)

Antonym: 華麗(かれい) (splendid)

Antonym: 豪華(ごうか) (luxurious)

Compare: 地味(じみ)な (plain)

general

Added 2026.2.1 10:43 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

09000/09201_shisso