Translation guide
The English adverb 'peacefully' describes doing something in a calm, quiet, and untroubled manner, or without violence. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on whether you mean 'without disturbance' (e.g., sleeping peacefully), 'without conflict' (e.g., living peacefully), or 'in a calm state of mind'. Direct translation is often unnatural; instead, use specific adverbs, verb phrases, or context-appropriate expressions.
Describes an action or state that is free from noise, stress, or interruption, often implying tranquility.
Adverb meaning 'peacefully' or 'tranquilly', often used for sleeping, resting, or passing away. Conveys a sense of deep calm and comfort.
彼は安らかに眠っている。
He is sleeping peacefully.
My grandmother passed away peacefully.
Adverb meaning 'gently', 'calmly', or 'peacefully'. Used for weather, personality, or manner of speaking/acting. Implies mildness and lack of harshness.
彼は穏やかに話した。
He spoke peacefully/calmly.
海は穏やかに波打っていた。
The sea was lapping peacefully.
Adverb meaning 'quietly' or 'peacefully'. Focuses on absence of noise or commotion. Very common for describing a quiet environment or action.
赤ちゃんが静かに眠っている。
The baby is sleeping peacefully.
Adverb meaning 'leisurely' or 'peacefully', often implying a relaxed, unhurried pace. Suitable for describing a peaceful day or activity.
日曜日はのんびりと過ごした。
I spent Sunday peacefully/relaxing.
Describes coexistence, resolution, or action that is free from fighting, war, or aggression.
Adverb meaning 'peacefully' in a political or social sense. Used for resolving disputes, protesting, or coexisting without violence.
デモは平和的に行われた。
The demonstration was held peacefully.
私たちは平和的に共存したい。
We want to coexist peacefully.
Formal adverb meaning 'peacefully' or 'without incident'. Often used in news or official contexts for events like elections or transitions.
選挙は平和裏に終了した。
The election ended peacefully.
Adverb meaning 'amicably' or 'peacefully', often used for settling matters quietly without causing trouble or conflict.
問題を穏便に解決したい。
I want to resolve the issue peacefully/amicably.
Describes a person's mental state of being at peace, free from anxiety or turmoil.
Phrase meaning 'with a peaceful heart/mind'. Used to describe doing something while feeling calm and untroubled.
心穏やかに一日を始めたい。
I want to start the day peacefully.
Adverb meaning 'calmly' or 'composedly'. Emphasizes maintaining self-control and not being agitated.
彼は平静にその知らせを受け止めた。
He took the news peacefully/calmly.
Describes accepting a situation or outcome without struggle or protest.
Adverb meaning 'obediently', 'meekly', or 'peacefully'. Often used when someone accepts something without causing trouble.
子供たちはおとなしく並んでいた。
The children were lined up peacefully/quietly.
彼はおとなしく罰を受け入れた。
He accepted the punishment peacefully.
Adverb meaning 'honestly' or 'meekly', implying a peaceful acceptance without resistance. Often used for following advice or admitting fault.
彼女は素直に謝った。
She apologized peacefully/meekly.
While '平和に' (へいわに) can mean 'peacefully', it is less common as an adverb for everyday actions. It is more often used as a noun ('平和') meaning 'peace'. For most adverbial uses, choose a more specific word like '安らかに' or '平和的に'.
✕ 彼は平和に眠っている。
(Unnatural) He is sleeping peacefully.
○ 彼は安らかに眠っている。
He is sleeping peacefully.
These three adverbs overlap but have distinct nuances. '安らかに' (やすらかに) implies deep emotional tranquility, often used for sleep or death. '穏やかに' (おだやかに) suggests gentleness and mildness, suitable for personality, weather, or manner. '静かに' (しずかに) simply means 'quietly', focusing on lack of noise. Choose based on what aspect of 'peacefully' you want to emphasize.
彼女は安らかに眠った。
She slept peacefully.
抗議活動は平和的に終わった。
The protest ended peacefully.
彼らは田舎でのんびりと暮らした。
They lived peacefully in the countryside.
Here 'peacefully' implies a quiet, unhurried life, so 'のんびりと' is natural.