控(ひか)えめな

ひかえめな
na-adjective
reserved; modest; restrained
1. reserved; modest; restrained; moderate
Holding back from being assertive, excessive, or conspicuous. Can describe personality, behavior, amounts, or intensity.
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.
塩(しお)は控(ひか)えめにしてください。
Please go easy on the salt.
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'm cutting back on sweets.

From 控(ひか)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(ひか)えめな性格(せいかく): reserved personality
  • 控(ひか)えめな態度(たいど): restrained attitude
  • 塩分(えんぶん)控(ひか)えめ: low-salt, reduced salt
  • 糖分(とうぶん)控(ひか)えめ: reduced sugar
  • 控(ひか)えめに言(い)う: to say modestly / to put it mildly

USAGE:
Often used in food labeling and health contexts to mean "reduced" or "low" (塩分(えんぶん)控(ひか)えめ = low salt). In personality descriptions, it indicates someone who doesn't push themselves forward.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 謙虚(けんきょ)な: humble (deeper humility as a virtue, not just holding back)
  • 地味(じみ)な: plain, understated (about appearance or style)
  • {おとなしい}: quiet, gentle (about temperament)
general
Added 2026.4.2 10:00
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