慎ましい
つつましい
i-adjective
modest; humble; reserved
Conjugation
| Affirmative | Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Present | 慎ましい | 慎ましくない |
| Past | 慎ましかった | 慎ましくなかった |
| て form | 慎ましくて | 慎ましくなくて |
| Adverbial | 慎ましく | — |
| Conditional ば | 慎ましければ | 慎ましくなければ |
| Conditional たら | 慎ましかったら | 慎ましくなかったら |
1.
modest; humble; reserved; unassuming
Describes a person or lifestyle that is restrained, unpretentious, and avoids excess or ostentation. Carries a positive connotation of admirable self-restraint and quiet dignity.
慎ましい暮らしをしている。
She lives a modest life.
祖母は慎ましい人で、自分のことはあまり話さない。
My grandmother is a reserved person and doesn't talk about herself much.
慎ましいながらも幸せな生活を送っている。
They lead a humble but happy life.
A positive word expressing admiration for someone's modesty and restraint. Common collocations: 慎ましい暮らし (modest living), 慎ましい態度 (reserved demeanor), 慎ましやかな (a more literary variant). Often used to describe people who live within their means without complaint. Distinguished from 謙虚 (humble in attitude/speech) — 慎ましい emphasizes restraint in lifestyle and behavior rather than verbal humility.