Translation guide
The English word 'calm' covers a range of states: a person's emotional composure, a peaceful atmosphere, quiet weather, and the act of soothing someone. Japanese uses different words depending on what is calm. This guide organizes the most useful expressions for learners.
Describing someone who is not agitated, anxious, or angry; staying cool-headed.
The most common way to say a person is calm, composed, and settled. Used for both temporary states and personality traits.
彼はいつも落ち着いている。
He is always calm.
試験の前でも落ち着いていた。
I was calm even before the exam.
Emphasizes rational coolness, not letting emotions take over. Often used in situations requiring clear judgment.
冷静に状況を判断してください。
Please assess the situation calmly.
Describes a gentle, mild-mannered personality or a serene state of mind. Softer than 冷静.
彼女は穏やかな人だ。
She is a calm person.
Implies being unruffled or unfazed, often in the face of something that would normally upset others. Can carry a nuance of boldness or indifference.
彼は批判されても平然としていた。
He remained calm even when criticized.
Describing an environment that is quiet, peaceful, and free from disturbance.
The basic word for 'quiet' and 'calm' in the sense of low noise and little activity. Works for rooms, streets, nights, etc.
この辺りは夜になると静かだ。
This area is calm at night.
Describing natural conditions that are not stormy, windy, or rough.
The go-to word for calm weather, gentle breezes, and smooth seas.
明日は天気が穏やかになるでしょう。
The weather will be calm tomorrow.
Specifically refers to a lull or calm in the wind, often at sea. A somewhat specialized term.
Expressing the action of transitioning from an agitated state to a calm one.
The act of soothing another person, animal, or situation.
The causative form of 落ち着く. Means to make someone calm down or to settle a situation.
彼女は泣いている子供を落ち着かせた。
She calmed the crying child.
落ち着く is a general 'settle down' emotionally or physically. 冷静 is specifically about keeping a cool head and rational judgment. Use 冷静 for situations like emergencies or debates where clear thinking is needed.
彼は怒っていたが、すぐに落ち着いた。
He was angry but soon calmed down.
彼は怒っていたが、冷静に対応した。
He was angry but responded calmly (with composure).
静か means 'quiet' in terms of sound. Saying 彼は静かだ means 'He is quiet (not talkative)', not 'He is calm'. Use 落ち着いている for a calm personality.
嵐が穏やかになった。
The storm calmed down.
Conveys a gentle, peaceful calmness. Often used for weather, seas, or a tranquil atmosphere.
今日は海が穏やかだ。
The sea is calm today.
穏やかな午後を過ごした。
I spent a calm afternoon.
Means 'peaceful', often used for a calm state free from conflict or trouble.
平和な時代が続いている。
A calm era continues.
風がやんで凪になった。
The wind died down and it became calm.
The most common verb for 'to calm down'. Used for emotions, situations, and even settling into a new place.
少し休んだら落ち着いた。
I calmed down after resting a bit.
落ち着いて話しましょう。
Let's talk calmly.
Literally 'become calm/cool-headed'. Emphasizes regaining rational composure.
まず冷静になってください。
First, please calm down.
To soothe or pacify someone who is upset or angry, often through gentle words or actions.
彼をなだめるのに苦労した。
I had trouble calming him down.