1.
moderate, restrained, modest
Keeping something at a lower level than usual, or behaving in a reserved, understated manner.
塩は控えめにする。
I keep the salt to a minimum.
彼女は控えめな性格だ。
She has a reserved personality.
医者に言われて、甘いものを控えめにしている。
On my doctor's advice, I've been cutting back on sweets.
USAGE:
- 控えめな + noun: a moderate/reserved ~
- 控えめに + verb: moderately, in a restrained way
- Xを控えめにする: to keep X moderate, to cut back on X
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 塩分控えめ: low-salt, reduced salt
- 控えめな態度: a reserved attitude
- 控えめな性格: a modest personality
- 量を控えめにする: to reduce the amount
NOTE:
Often seen on food packaging as 控えめ to indicate reduced amounts of sugar, salt, etc.