Translation guide
How to express the idea of regaining calm, control, or composure in Japanese, depending on the situation.
To regain emotional calm after anger, panic, or distress.
The most common and versatile way to say 'calm down' or 'compose oneself'. Used for both emotional and physical settling.
I took a deep breath and composed myself.
He suppressed his anger and composed himself.
Literally 'retake one's spirit'. Used when you pull yourself together after a setback or disappointment.
I failed, but I'll compose myself and try again.
To calm one's heart/mind. Slightly more introspective than 落ち着く.
I drank tea and composed myself.
To steady oneself before a performance, speech, or challenging situation.
To quiet one's spirit. Often used before a performance or when trying to focus.
I composed myself before going on stage.
Literally 'to put one's body in order'. Implies adjusting posture and breathing to regain composure.
To regain one's composure. Slightly formal.
To stop crying and regain control.
To describe regaining composure in a refined or written style.
落ち着く is a general state of calm, while 気を取り直す implies actively shifting your mindset after a negative event.
Please calm down and speak.
Let's compose ourselves and try again.
Do not directly translate 'compose oneself' as 自分を構成する (jibun o kōsei suru), which means 'to construct oneself' and is nonsensical in this context.
He straightened his back and composed himself.
She quickly composed herself.
子供はやっと泣き止んだ。
The child finally composed himself and stopped crying.
He hid his agitation and composed himself outwardly.