Translation guide
How to express the state of not moving, being stationary, or remaining in place in Japanese.
Describing a person or thing that is not moving at all.
The most common way to say someone or something is staying still, without moving. Used for people, animals, and objects.
彼はじっとしている。
He is standing still.
じっとしてください。
Please stay still.
A more formal or technical term for being stationary or at rest. Often used in scientific or written contexts.
物体が静止している。
The object is standing still.
Specifically means to stop walking and stand still. Focuses on the action of coming to a halt.
彼は突然立ち止まった。
He suddenly stopped and stood still.
Literally 'not moving'. A straightforward way to say something is still. Can be used for people or objects.
その猫は動かない。
The cat is standing still.
Expressing that someone stays where they are without moving away.
Means to stay as you are, in the same place or position. Implies not moving or changing location.
そのままいてください。
Please stay where you are (standing still).
To stand still for a long time, often due to shock, amazement, or deep thought. Has a nuance of being rooted to the spot.
彼は驚いて立ち尽くした。
He stood still in surprise.
Emphasizing the posture of standing while being still.
Explicitly states that someone is remaining in a standing position without moving.
彼は立ったままでいた。
He remained standing still.
A colloquial and slightly rough way to say someone is just standing there, often with a nuance of idleness or uselessness.
Can sound rude or dismissive. Use only in very informal situations.
何を突っ立っているんだ。
What are you doing just standing there?
じっとしている is everyday language for people and animals staying still. 静止している is formal and used for objects or in technical descriptions.
子供がじっとしている。
The child is standing still.
機械が静止している。
The machine is standing still.
Do not translate 'standing still' word-for-word as 立ってまだ or similar. It sounds unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on context.