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How to say 'Astringent' or 'Subdued' in Japanese | 渋い

Wondering how to say 'Astringent' or 'Subdued' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Astringent or Subdued is 'Shibui', written as 渋い in Japanese.'Astringent' or 'Subdued' in hiragana is しぶい.

    word

    渋い

    Meaning

    Astringent, Subdued

    Reading

    しぶい

    shibui

    Kanji

    Astringent, Not going smoothly

    Explanation

    The Japanese adjective '渋い (しぶい)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'astringent', referring to a taste or sensation that is dry, bitter, or puckering, often used to describe foods like unripe persimmons or strong tea. For example: This persimmon is astringent「この柿は渋い」(このかきはしぶい). The second meaning is 'subdued', describing something that is understated, refined, or muted in appearance, taste, or style. This can refer to colors, designs, or even personalities. For example: His taste in fashion is subdued「彼のファッションセンスは渋い」(かれのファッションセンスはしぶい). The word can also imply a sense of sophistication or maturity, often used to describe someone who is reserved but has depth. For example: His humor is subtle and subdued「彼のユーモアは渋い」(かれのユーモアはしぶい).

    Part Of Speech

    adjective

    Kanji JLPT

    N1

    Kanji Grade

    9

    Frequency

    3966

    Composition

    kanji-hiragana

    Handwriting

This word is an i-adjective. To learn how it transforms in different tenses and forms, explore all its conjugations.

Kanji in the Word 渋い

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Astringent, Not going smoothly

Hiragana in the Word 渋い

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

  • hiragana

    Reading

    I

Words Related to 渋い Through the Kanji

This Word contains the Kanji 渋 as well.

  • word

    渋滞

    Meaning

    Traffic, Congestion

Learn the Word 渋い

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What does 'Shibui' (渋い) mean?

'Shibui' means 'Astringent' or 'Subdued' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.