Translation guide
The English adverb "flatly" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers how to express each in natural Japanese, from speaking in a dull tone to refusing something outright.
He stated the facts flatly.
Literally 'without intonation'. Describes a voice that is completely flat, with no rise and fall.
She answered flatly.
Literally 'reading like a stick'. Means reading or speaking in a monotone, often used when someone is reading a script without expression.
He delivered the speech flatly.
Means 'with a blank expression'. Often implies speaking without showing any emotion on the face, which can make the voice sound flat.
He said flatly, 'Is that so.'
Emphasizing that something is done in a direct, uncompromising way, leaving no room for doubt.
Means 'clearly and firmly', often used with refusing, denying, or stating a decision. Conveys a sense of finality.
He flatly refused the offer.
Means 'resolutely' or 'firmly'. Stronger than きっぱりと, often used in formal or written contexts for unwavering denial or refusal.
Means 'curtly' or 'bluntly', often implying a cold, dismissive refusal without any explanation.
He said flatly, 'No.'
Describing the physical state of being flat or spread out.
Means 'flatly' in the sense of making something level or smooth. Used for physical flatness.
Please spread the map out flatly.
An onomatopoeic adverb describing something sticking flat against a surface, or sitting down flat on the floor.
He sat down flatly on the floor.
Both mean 'flatly' in the sense of firm refusal. きっぱりと is more common in everyday speech and implies a clear, unambiguous refusal. 断固として is stronger and more formal, often used in official statements or written arguments.
Do not use 平らに (physically flat) to describe a tone of voice. Use 淡々と or 抑揚なく for a flat vocal delivery.
The government flatly rejected the demand.