地味

• Reading: じみ
• Romaji: jimi
• Kanji breakdown: 地 (chi/ji) — ground, earth; 味 (mi) — taste, flavour
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑi.mi/

Meaning

Plain; subdued; understated. Describes something modest and lacking flashiness.

A na-adjective that modifies nouns with な (地味な服, plain clothes). The opposite of 派手 (hade, flashy/showy). Can describe appearance, personality, work, or lifestyle. While sometimes used negatively, it can also carry a positive nuance of quiet elegance or reliability.

Examples

1. 彼女はいつも地味な服を着ている。 She always wears plain clothes.
2. 地味な仕事だが、とても大切な役割だ。 It's unglamorous work, but it plays a very important role.
3. 派手より地味なデザインのほうが好きだ。 I prefer understated designs over flashy ones.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, personality, daily life

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

Compound of 地 (ji, ground/earth) and 味 (mi, flavour/taste), literally 'earth-flavoured' — evoking the muted tones of soil. The word reflects a Japanese aesthetic that values understatement.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal