What does "Low-Key" mean?

Understated; or secretly/somewhat Quiet and unpretentious; modern slang: secretly.

How do you use "Low-Key" in a sentence?

A low-key celebration. I low-key want to go.

Low-Key

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Casual

Meaning: Understated; or secretly/somewhat

低调的；或暗地里/有点

Discreto; o secretamente/un poco

控えめな、またはこっそり・ちょっと

소박한, 또는 은근히/약간

Quiet and unpretentious; modern slang: secretly.

安静且不张扬；现代俚语：暗地里。

Tranquilo y sin pretensiones; jerga moderna: secretamente.

静かで気取らない。現代スラング：密かに。

조용하고 꾸미지 않는; 현대 슬랭: 은근히.

Examples

A low-key celebration.
低调的庆祝
una celebración discreta
控えめなお祝い
소박한 축하 자리.
I low-key want to go.
我其实有点想去
secretamente quiero ir
実はちょっと行きたい
은근히 가고 싶어.

Pronunciation

/ləʊ kiː/

Usage Guide

Context: events, feelings

Tone: descriptive

✓ Do Say

Low-key event
低调的活动
evento discreto
控えめなイベント
소박한 행사

✗ Don't Say

Two meanings
有两种含义
Tiene dos significados
二つの意味がある
두 가지 의미가 있음

Common Mistakes

Understated OR somewhat

Origin & History

From music/photography; modern slang 2010s.

Cultural Context

Era: 20th century; Gen Z 2010s

Generation: All ages; slang younger

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Internet culture

Regional notes: Universal.

Variations

Low-keyLowkey