Translation guide
Describes a facial expression or demeanor that appears calm, indifferent, or unconcerned, often intentionally so. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific adjectives, mimetic words, and descriptive phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
To describe someone's face or look as appearing unbothered, cool, or emotionally detached.
An adjective or adverb describing a calm, composed, and unperturbed demeanor, often in situations where one might be expected to show emotion. Can be used for facial expressions.
彼は平然とした顔で嘘をついた。
He told a lie with a nonchalant look on his face.
Literally 'cool face,' this common phrase describes someone who looks calm and unaffected, often when they should be embarrassed or worried. It carries a nuance of acting innocent or pretending nothing happened.
失敗しても涼しい顔をしている。
Even after making a mistake, he has a nonchalant look on his face.
A composed, serene, or slightly smug look, often implying a deliberate attempt to appear unaffected or superior. Can be translated as 'nonchalant look' when the person is trying to look cool.
彼女は澄まし顔で座っていた。
She sat there with a nonchalant look on her face.
Literally 'a face as if having eaten nothing,' this idiom means a look of complete innocence or nonchalance, especially when one is actually guilty or aware of something. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼は何食わぬ顔で部屋に入ってきた。
He came into the room with a nonchalant look on his face.
Describes a face that shows no sign of worry or guilt, as if nothing happened. 'けろりと' is a mimetic word for being completely unbothered. Casual and expressive.
叱られてもけろりとした顔だ。
Even when scolded, he has a nonchalant look.
To describe a look (as in a glance or way of looking) that is casual, uninterested, or without much attention.
Literally 'indifferent look in the eyes,' this phrase directly conveys a nonchalant, uninterested gaze.
彼は無関心な目つきで窓の外を見ていた。
He was looking out the window with a nonchalant look.
A gaze that lacks interest or enthusiasm; a half-hearted look. '気がない' means 'uninterested' or 'lacking spirit.'
彼女は気のない視線を私に向けた。
She gave me a nonchalant look.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'nonchalant look.' Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 無頓着な顔) will sound unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases provided instead.