Translation guide
How to express someone's outward manner, attitude, or bearing in Japanese.
Describing someone's overall manner, attitude, or the impression they give.
The most common and general word for 'attitude' or 'demeanor'. Can be used in many contexts, from formal to casual.
彼の態度はとても丁寧だ。
His demeanor is very polite.
あの学生は態度が悪い。
That student has a bad attitude.
Refers specifically to one's bearing or manner, often with a nuance of grace or refinement. Commonly used in formal or written contexts.
彼女の物腰はとても上品だ。
Her demeanor is very elegant.
Often used in negative or questioning forms to indicate a lack of outward sign or pretense. Implies a subtle or feigned demeanor.
彼は痛がるそぶりも見せなかった。
He didn't show any sign of pain.
An older or literary term for appearance or demeanor, often with an aesthetic or poetic nuance. Can sound dated or formal.
彼の風情にはどこか寂しげなものがあった。
There was something lonely in his demeanor.
Describing the expression on someone's face as part of their demeanor.
The standard word for 'facial expression'. Use this when demeanor is specifically about the face.
彼は無表情で座っていた。
He sat there with a blank expression.
Refers to the look on someone's face, often implying a certain character or mood. More colloquial than 表情.
Focusing on how someone acts or carries themselves, especially in social situations.
Refers to behavior, conduct, or manner. Often used for social behavior or how someone carries themselves.
彼の紳士的な振る舞いに感心した。
I was impressed by his gentlemanly demeanor.
Specifically refers to one's words and actions together. Useful when demeanor includes both speech and behavior.
Describing a demeanor that is calm, composed, or unruffled.
A common phrase meaning 'calm demeanor' or 'composed attitude'.
彼はいつも落ち着いた態度だ。
He always has a calm demeanor.
Means 'cool-headed demeanor', emphasizing rationality and lack of emotional disturbance.
彼女は冷静な態度で質問に答えた。
She answered the questions with a composed demeanor.
態度 (taido) is the general word for attitude or demeanor and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. 物腰 (monogoshi) specifically refers to a graceful or refined bearing and is more formal/literary. Use 態度 for everyday situations and 物腰 when you want to emphasize elegance or formality.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'demeanor'. Choose the word that best fits the specific aspect you want to describe: general attitude (態度), facial expression (表情), behavior (振る舞い), etc. Using 態度 as a catch-all is often safe, but may not capture nuances like facial expression.
心配そうな顔つきをしている。
He has a worried look on his face.
彼の言動には一貫性がない。
His demeanor lacks consistency.