This is the 2622nd most frequent Japanese word.
控えめ
Reserved; modest; restrained.
Here, '控えめ' is used to describe a person's nature or behavior, indicating that they are reserved or modest in their actions, specifically their verbal expressions.
彼は普段から発言が控えめです。
He is usually reserved in his statements.
In this usage, '控えめ' describes the characteristic of an object, highlighting its subdued or non-flashy aesthetic quality.
控えめなデザインの家具が好ましいです。
Furniture with a modest design is preferable.
The term '控えめ' implies exercising restraint or moderation in activity, in this case, drinking.