Translation guide
The English word 'smooth' covers many meanings: texture, movement, taste, social ease, and more. Japanese uses different words for each. This guide breaks them down by meaning.
Describing a surface that is even, without bumps or roughness.
Most common word for smooth texture, often for skin, paper, or surfaces.
この紙はとても滑らかです。
This paper is very smooth.
Often used for skin that is smooth and pleasant to touch; onomatopoeic.
赤ちゃんの肌はすべすべだ。
A baby's skin is smooth.
Smooth and slippery, like a polished floor or bald head.
床がつるつるで滑りやすい。
The floor is smooth and slippery.
Describing a process, journey, or machine that works without interruption or difficulty.
Means 'going well' or 'smooth' for progress, work, or recovery.
仕事は順調に進んでいます。
Work is progressing smoothly.
Loanword from English, used for smooth operation, communication, or transition.
Formal word for smooth, often in business or official contexts.
Describing a food or drink that is not bitter, acidic, or rough; often creamy or mild.
Used for smooth, mellow taste, especially sake, coffee, or chocolate.
このコーヒーはまろやかな味がする。
This coffee has a smooth taste.
Literally 'good mouthfeel', used for smooth texture of food or drink.
このスープは口当たりが良い。
This soup has a smooth texture.
Describing a person who is polite, confident, and good at dealing with people, sometimes with a negative connotation of being too slick.
Means sociable, friendly, and pleasant in manner.
彼はいつも愛想がいい。
He is always smooth and charming.
Means tactful, smooth, and socially adept; often positive.
彼女は如才なく振る舞った。
She behaved smoothly and tactfully.
Literally 'smooth-talking', can be negative (glib) or neutral.
Describing a body of water that is still and flat.
Means calm, gentle, often for sea or weather.
海は穏やかだった。
The sea was smooth.
Literally 'mirror-like', used for perfectly smooth water surface.
湖面は鏡のようだった。
The lake surface was smooth as glass.
滑らか (nameraka) is for physical smoothness (texture). スムーズ (sumūzu) is for abstract smoothness (process, communication). Do not use 滑らか for a smooth meeting.
Do not use 滑らか for a smooth person or smooth progress. It sounds unnatural. Use the specific words given for each meaning.
会議はスムーズに終わった。
The meeting ended smoothly.
プロジェクトを円滑に進める。
To carry out the project smoothly.
He's a smooth talker, so be careful.