渋い

• 読み: しぶい
• ローマ字: shibui
• 漢字の分解: 渋 (jū/shibu) — astringent, reluctant, subdued
• 発音: /ɕi.bɯ.i/

意味

Astringent (of taste); subdued and refined (of appearance or style); reluctant; cool in an understated way.

An i-adjective with multiple senses. Literally it describes an astringent, puckering taste (like unripe persimmon). Figuratively, it means tastefully subdued or distinguished — the opposite of flashy. It can also mean reluctant (渋い顔, a sour/reluctant expression) or describe something as unexpectedly cool in a low-key, mature way.

例文

1. 渋いお茶の味がして、舌に残る独特の風味が好きだ。
2. 派手さはないが渋いデザインで、年を重ねるごとに愛着が増す。
3. 部長は渋い顔をしながらも、最終的には提案を認めてくれた。

使い方ガイド

場面: food, aesthetics, fashion, interpersonal

トーン: appreciative

起源と歴史

Derived from the classical Japanese adjective 渋し (shibushi), related to 渋 (shibu, astringency from tannin). The figurative meaning of subdued refinement emerged in the Edo period, likely influenced by wabi-sabi aesthetics.

文化的背景

時代: Edo Period

世代: Adults

社会的背景: General