Translation guide
Describes something dignified, grand, and impressive in manner or appearance, often with a sense of formal elegance.
He entered the room with a stately manner.
The palace has a stately appearance.
Literally 'having dignity'. Emphasizes an air of authority and solemn grandeur.
The queen walks in a stately manner.
Means 'massive and dignified', often used for architecture, furniture, or atmosphere. Conveys a sense of solid, impressive elegance.
a stately mansion
Means 'having style/dignity'. Often used for people or things that possess a refined, impressive presence.
He is a stately old gentleman.
Means 'grand' or 'magnificent'. Can overlap with 'stately' when describing large-scale, impressive things, but is broader in meaning.
A stately procession moved down the street.
To describe a movement that is deliberate, elegant, and unhurried, like a stately dance or procession.
Means 'leisurely' or 'comfortably slow'. Often used for graceful, unhurried movements.
She walked with a stately gait.
Means 'elegant' or 'graceful'. Focuses on the beauty and refinement of the movement.
The swan is swimming in a stately manner.
Literally 'movement with dignity'. A more explicit phrase for a stately, dignified motion.
Both mean 'stately', but 堂々とした is more about an imposing, confident presence, while 威厳のある emphasizes solemn dignity and authority. 堂々とした can be used for a wide range of subjects, whereas 威厳のある is often reserved for people or institutions.
a stately building (imposing and grand)
a stately judge (dignified and authoritative)
The English word 'stately' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as 国家的な (kokkateki na, 'national') or 州の (shū no, 'of a state') would be incorrect. Use the adjectives above based on context.
The dancer captivated the audience with her stately movements.