ミニマリスト
minimarisuto
The English word 'minimalist' can be translated into Japanese as ミニマリスト (minimarisuto).
ミニマリスト is used to describe a person who believes in or seeks a minimal state. While it refers to the individual, the related term ミニマリズム refers to the philosophy or movement of minimalism itself.
Meaning: believing in or seeking a minimal state (adj)
Which one should you use?
ミニマリスト refers to the person (the minimalist), whereas ミニマリズム refers to the philosophy or movement (minimalism). Additionally, 簡素主義者 is a formal way to express the concept, while シンプル派 is an informal way to describe someone who leans towards simplicity.
How do you pronounce it?
minimarisuto
Did you know?
- Many Japanese ミニマリスト practice a trend called zero-yen life, where the goal is to survive without spending any money by utilizing free resources and recycling.
- Japanese designers describe the essence of minimalism as 引き算の美学, or 'the aesthetics of subtraction', treating the removal of elements as a creative act in itself.
- The term ミニマリスト is often linked to the practice of danshari, a portmanteau of three characters that mean refusing new things, disposing of old things and separating oneself from material desires.
Examples in context
- 最近、ミニマリストの考え方に興味があるんだよね。Lately, I've been interested in the concept of minimalism.
- そうなんだ、シンプル派になりたいってこと？Oh, so you want to become a simplicity enthusiast?
- そうだよ！もっと物を減らして、整理整頓したいんだ。Exactly! I want to reduce my belongings and be more organized.
- ミニマリストのアプローチとは異なり、バロック様式は贅沢さと繊細さの融合を追求しています。In contrast to the minimalist approach, the Baroque style pursues a fusion of opulence and intricacy.
- 彼はミニマリストです。Kare wa minimarisuto desu.He is a minimalist.
- ミニマリストの生活は楽そうです。Minimaristo no seikatsu wa rakusou desu.A minimalist lifestyle looks easy.
- ミニマリストを目指しています。Minimaristo o mezashite imasu.I am aiming to be a minimalist.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about their home decor.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんの部屋は物が少ないですね。Kenta-san no heya wa mono ga sukunai desu ne.Kenta, you have very few things in your room.
- 健太 Kentaはい、実は私はミニマリストなんです。Hai, jitsu wa watashi wa minimarisuto nan desu.Yes, actually, I am a minimalist.
- 美咲 Misakiすごい！私もそうなりたいです。Sugoi! Watashi mo sō naritai desu.Amazing! I want to be like that too.
- 健太 Kentaまずは不用品を捨てることから始めてください。Mazu wa fuyōhin o suteru koto kara hajimete kudasai.Please start by throwing away things you don't need.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ミニマリスト, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
