謙虚な
kenkyo na
In Japanese, the English phrase "modest" is translated as 謙虚な (kenkyo na). If unsure, use 謙虚な. Wiktionary also lists 謙遜した (kenson shita).
Meaning: not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 謙虚な | kenkyo na |
| 謙遜した | kenson shita |
The term is used to describe someone who does not brag or boast about themselves or their achievements. When you want to downplay your own achievements, you can use the words ちょっと (a little) or 何とか (somehow) to soften your statement.
Which one should you use?
The forms are used to distinguish between a person's nature and a specific behavior. 謙虚な is used to describe a person's long-term character or personality trait. In contrast, 謙遜した describes a specific action or attitude of being humble in a particular instance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 謙虚な is a na-adjective, which means it requires the particle な when it is used to modify a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
kenkyo na
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific grammar system called 謙譲語 (kenjōgo), or humble language. This involves using entirely different verbs to lower the speaker's status relative to the listener.
- Unlike English where 'modest' can describe a small house or clothing, 謙虚 is strictly reserved for human character and attitudes. You cannot use it to describe a 'modest' amount of food or a 'modest' dress.
- In Japanese, being 'modest' often involves actively deflecting a compliment rather than just accepting it. If someone praises you, responding with a phrase like いえいえ ('no, no') is considered a sign of good character.
Examples in context
- 彼はとても謙虚な人です。Kare wa totemo kenkyona hito desu.He is a very modest person.
- 彼女は成功しても謙虚な姿勢を忘れません。Kanojo wa seikou shitemo kenkyona shisei o wasuremasen.Even after succeeding, she does not forget her modest attitude.
- あの選手はとても謙虚な態度で話しています。Ano senshu wa totemo kenkyona taido de hanashite imasu.That athlete is speaking with a very modest attitude.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about a talented colleague.
- 美咲 Misaki田中さんは本当にすごいですね。Tanaka-san wa hontou ni sugoi desu ne.Mr. Tanaka is really amazing, isn't he?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい。それにとても謙虚な性格です。Hai. Sore ni totemo kenkyo na seikaku desu.Yes. And he has a very modest personality.
- 美咲 Misakiあんなに実績があるのに驚きです。Anna ni jisseki ga aru no ni odoroki desu.It's surprising given how many achievements he has.
- 大翔 Hirotoだからみんなに尊敬されています。Dakara minna ni sonkei sarete imasu.That is why he is respected by everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “modest” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
