1.
reserved; modest; restrained; moderate
Holding back from being assertive, excessive, or conspicuous. Can describe personality, behavior, amounts, or intensity.
From 控える (to refrain, to hold back) + め (tendency, degree). Versatile word that can describe both personality traits (being quiet and unassuming) and moderation in amounts or behavior.
Common collocations
- 控えめな性格: reserved personality
- 控えめな態度: restrained attitude
- 塩分控えめ: low-salt, reduced salt
- 糖分控えめ: reduced sugar
- 控えめに言う: to say modestly / to put it mildly
Usage
Often used in food labeling and health contexts to mean "reduced" or "low" (塩分控えめ = low salt). In personality descriptions, it indicates someone who doesn't push themselves forward.