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.
This paper is very smooth.
Often used for skin that is smooth and pleasant to touch; onomatopoeic.
A baby's skin is smooth.
Smooth and slippery, like a polished floor or bald head.
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.
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.
Describing a person who is polite, confident, and good at dealing with people, sometimes with a negative connotation of being too slick.
Describing a body of water that is still and flat.
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.
彼女は如才なく振る舞った。
She behaved smoothly and tactfully.
彼は口がうまいから気をつけて。
He's a smooth talker, so be careful.