Translation guide
Describes a person's outward behavior, manner, or bearing, often reflecting their inner state or character. Japanese expresses this through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
To describe how someone generally behaves or carries themselves, often in terms of attitude or composure.
The most common and versatile word for 'attitude' or 'demeanor'. Can be used in many contexts, from casual to formal.
彼の態度はいつも冷静だ。
His demeanor is always calm.
面接では態度が重要です。
In an interview, your demeanor is important.
Refers specifically to one's manner or bearing, often implying grace, politeness, or refinement. More about the way one moves and speaks.
彼女の物腰はとても上品だ。
Her demeanor is very elegant.
Focuses on behavior or conduct, especially in social situations. Can be used for both good and bad demeanor.
彼の振る舞いは紳士的だった。
His demeanor was gentlemanly.
Often used in negative sentences to mean 'no sign of (a certain demeanor)'. Implies a subtle outward indication of an inner state.
彼は緊張したそぶりを見せなかった。
He showed no sign of nervousness in his demeanor.
To describe someone who appears calm, unruffled, or in control of their emotions.
A noun meaning calmness or composure. Often used to describe a person's steady demeanor.
彼女はいつも落ち着きがある。
She always has a calm demeanor.
A four-character compound meaning 'calm and composed'. Describes a demeanor that is unshaken even under pressure.
彼の冷静沈着な態度に感心した。
I was impressed by his calm and composed demeanor.
Describes a demeanor that is unperturbed or nonchalant, sometimes with a nuance of indifference.
彼は批判されても平然としていた。
He maintained a calm demeanor even when criticized.
To describe someone who appears approachable, kind, or pleasant in their manner.
Refers to amiability or sociability. Often used in phrases like 愛想がいい (to have a friendly demeanor).
あの店員は愛想がいい。
That clerk has a friendly demeanor.
Literally 'good touch with people', meaning a warm, pleasant demeanor that makes others feel comfortable.
彼は人当たりがいいので、すぐに友達ができる。
He has such a warm demeanor that he makes friends quickly.
Means gentle and mild-mannered. Often used to describe a soft, kind demeanor.
To describe someone who appears strict, grave, or unsmiling.
Means serious, earnest, or sober. Often used to describe a diligent and no-nonsense demeanor.
彼は真面目な態度で仕事に取り組む。
He approaches his work with a serious demeanor.
Means strict or stern. Can describe a demeanor that is severe or demanding.
Literally 'making a scary face', used to describe someone who has an intimidating or stern demeanor.
彼はいつも怖い顔をしているが、実は優しい。
He always has a stern demeanor, but he's actually kind.
To describe someone who acts superior or condescending.
Means arrogant or overbearing. Describes a demeanor that is domineering and disrespectful.
彼の横柄な態度には我慢できない。
I can't stand his arrogant demeanor.
To act important or superior. Describes a demeanor that is condescending.
彼はいつも偉そうにしている。
He always has a haughty demeanor.
Means proud or haughty. A more literary term for an arrogant demeanor.
To describe someone who appears anxious, fidgety, or uncomfortable.
Literally 'unsettled appearance', used to describe a restless or uneasy demeanor.
彼は何か落ち着かない様子だった。
He had an uneasy demeanor.
An onomatopoeic phrase meaning to be fidgety or restless. Describes a visibly nervous demeanor.
面接前、彼はそわそわしていた。
Before the interview, he had a nervous demeanor.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'demeanor'. Choose the option that best matches the specific quality you want to describe (e.g., calm, friendly, arrogant). Using 態度 is safe for general contexts, but more precise words exist for specific demeanors.
Often, Japanese uses adjectives directly modifying 態度 or 様子 to describe demeanor. For example, 優しい態度 (kind demeanor), 冷たい態度 (cold demeanor). This pattern is very productive.
Her gentle demeanor put me at ease.
先生の厳しい態度に生徒たちは緊張した。
The students were nervous because of the teacher's stern demeanor.
彼女の高慢な物腰は周囲を不快にさせた。
Her haughty demeanor made those around her uncomfortable.