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.
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.
I want to spend today casually.
Adverb meaning 'casually' in the sense of doing something without much thought, unintentionally, or nonchalantly.
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.
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.
I speak casually with him.
Means 'to use a casual/colloquial way of speaking'. Describes informal register.
I speak casually with friends.
Noun phrase meaning 'casual wording/language'. Often used in discussions about language style.
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.
Casual clothes are fine today.
Means 'everyday clothes' or 'ordinary wear', implying casualness by contrast with formal wear.
Means 'rough/relaxed appearance'. ラフ comes from English 'rough' but means casual/loose in Japanese.
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.
He casually said, 'Let's get married.'
To say something casually but with subtlety, often to avoid being too direct.
She casually pointed out his mistake.
Literally 'say lightly', meaning to mention something in a light, non-serious manner.
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.
We're just casually dating right now.
Literally 'play relationship', often used for casual flings or non-serious romantic involvement.
It was a casual relationship.
Direct loan translation, used among younger people familiar with English terms.
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).
This expression is casual language.
普段着で来てください。
Please come in casual clothes.