Translation guide
The state of being peaceful, quiet, and free from agitation or strong emotion. This guide covers how to express calmness in Japanese, from inner tranquility to composed behavior and serene environments.
Describing a person's mental state of being calm, serene, and untroubled.
The most common word for a calm, composed state of mind, especially in situations where one might otherwise get upset. Often used in the phrase 冷静になる (to calm down).
He is always calm.
Let's calm down and think.
Refers to composure, presence of mind, and a settled, calm demeanor. Often used for someone who is naturally calm or has regained composure.
She has a calm demeanor.
To regain one's composure.
A more formal or literary term for calmness and serenity of mind. Often used in writing or formal speech.
He kept his calm.
Literally 'peace of mind', a more philosophical or spiritual term for inner tranquility.
Meditation brings peace of mind.
Describing a place, situation, or atmosphere that is peaceful, quiet, and free from disturbance.
The most common adjective for a quiet, calm environment. Can also describe a person's quiet demeanor.
Describes a gentle, mild, and calm state, often used for weather, sea, or a person's personality.
Evokes a peaceful, tranquil, and idyllic scene, often used for countryside or spring days. Has a poetic nuance.
Staying calm and collected when facing a crisis, emergency, or stressful situation.
Means calm and unruffled, especially in emergencies. Often used in the compound 冷静沈着 (cool and collected).
He acted calmly/composedly.
Literally 'not shaken', meaning unflappable, not easily perturbed. Often used as 動じない人 (a person who doesn't get flustered).
He remains calm no matter what happens.
Means 'not panic' or 'not get flustered'. A common way to say someone stays calm in a situation.
Please remain calm even in an emergency.
Describing a period or situation that is uneventful, slow, or without much happening.
冷静 (reisei) emphasizes a cool-headed, rational state, often in contrast to emotional upset. 落ち着き (ochitsuki) refers more to a settled, composed demeanor or atmosphere. You can say 冷静な判断 (calm judgment) but not 落ち着きな判断. Conversely, 落ち着きのある人 (a person with composure) is natural, while 冷静のある人 is not.
The English phrase 'calm down' is usually translated as 落ち着いて (ochitsuite) or 冷静になって (reisei ni natte), not a noun form. This guide focuses on the noun 'calmness'.
今日は天気が穏やかだ。
The weather is calm today.
a calm/gentle personality
a calm, idyllic rural landscape
The sea was calm.