Translation guide
The English adverb 'casually' describes doing something in a relaxed, informal, or non-serious manner. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the translation depends heavily on context. This guide covers common ways to express casualness in actions, speech, appearance, and attitude.
To do something without formality, strictness, or intense effort; in a laid-back way.
Adverb meaning 'light-heartedly', 'without hesitation', or 'casually'. Used when inviting someone or doing something without pressure.
気軽に相談してください。
Please feel free to consult me casually.
Come over casually sometime.
Loanword from English 'casual'. Often used for fashion, style, or atmosphere, but can also describe doing something informally.
今日はカジュアルに過ごしたい。
I want to spend today casually.
Adverb meaning 'casually' in the sense of doing something without much thought, unintentionally, or nonchalantly.
彼は何気なくその質問をした。
He asked the question casually.
Adverb meaning 'casually' but with a nuance of doing something subtly or in a way that doesn't draw attention, often to be tactful.
彼女はさりげなく話題を変えた。
She casually changed the subject.
Using informal language, as opposed to polite or formal registers.
Literally 'speak with tame-mouth', meaning to use casual/informal speech (without です/ます). Common among friends or close relationships.
彼とはタメ口で話している。
I speak casually with him.
Means 'to use a casual/colloquial way of speaking'. Describes informal register.
友達にはくだけた言い方をする。
I speak casually with friends.
Noun phrase meaning 'casual wording/language'. Often used in discussions about language style.
この表現はカジュアルな言葉遣いです。
This expression is casual language.
Dressing in an informal, relaxed style.
Standard phrase for 'casual clothes/attire'. The loanword カジュアル is widely used in fashion contexts.
今日はカジュアルな服装で大丈夫です。
Casual clothes are fine today.
Means 'everyday clothes' or 'ordinary wear', implying casualness by contrast with formal wear.
普段着で来てください。
Please come in casual clothes.
Means 'rough/relaxed appearance'. ラフ comes from English 'rough' but means casual/loose in Japanese.
ラフな格好で出かけた。
I went out in casual clothes.
To mention something in an offhand, non-serious, or incidental way.
To say something casually, without much thought or emphasis.
彼は何気なく「結婚しよう」と言った。
He casually said, 'Let's get married.'
To say something casually but with subtlety, often to avoid being too direct.
彼女はさりげなく彼のミスを指摘した。
She casually pointed out his mistake.
Literally 'say lightly', meaning to mention something in a light, non-serious manner.
軽く「またね」と言って別れた。
We parted with a casual 'see you later'.
Dating without serious commitment; a casual relationship.
Means 'light relationship' or 'casual dating'. Implies no deep commitment.
今は軽い付き合いをしているだけです。
We're just casually dating right now.
Literally 'play relationship', often used for casual flings or non-serious romantic involvement.
それは遊びの関係だった。
It was a casual relationship.
Direct loan translation, used among younger people familiar with English terms.
私たちはカジュアルな関係です。
We have a casual relationship.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'casually'. Using カジュアルに for non-fashion contexts can sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance (relaxed, informal, offhand, etc.).
Both can translate 'casually', but 何気なく emphasizes lack of intention or thought, while さりげなく implies deliberate subtlety or tact. 何気なく言った (said without thinking) vs さりげなく言った (said in a subtle, tactful way).