控(ひか)えめ

ひかえめ
na-adjective, noun
moderate, reserved, restrained
descriptive
See also: 控(ひか)え目(め) (modest (variant))
1. moderate, restrained, modest
Keeping something at a lower level than usual, or behaving in a reserved, understated manner.
塩(しお)は控(ひか)えめにする。
I keep the salt to a minimum.
彼女(かのじょ)は控(ひか)えめな性格(せいかく)だ。
She has a reserved personality.
医者(いしゃ)に言(い)われて、甘(あま)いものを控(ひか)えめにしている。
On my doctor's advice, I've been cutting back on sweets.

Usage

  • 控(ひか)えめな + noun: a moderate/reserved ~
  • 控(ひか)えめに + verb: moderately, in a restrained way
  • Xを控(ひか)えめにする: to keep X moderate, to cut back on X

Often seen on food packaging as 控(ひか)えめ to indicate reduced amounts of sugar, salt, etc.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 目立(めだ)たない (inconspicuous, unnoticeable)
Compare: 遠慮深(えんりょぶか)い (reserved)
Compare: おしとやか (graceful)
general
Added 2026.3.17 11:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
17000/17234_hikaeme