Translation guide
The quality of being regular, constant, or unwavering. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you mean physical stability, emotional calm, consistent effort, or gradual progress.
Describing something that is physically steady, not shaking or wobbling.
General term for stability, often used for physical objects, systems, or conditions.
This desk is steady.
Adverb meaning firmly, securely, or steadily. Often used for holding or fixing something in place.
Please hold it steady.
Describing a person who remains calm and composed, not easily upset.
Describing steady, continuous work or gradual improvement.
Na-adjective meaning steady, sound, or reliable progress. Often used for step-by-step advancement.
We are making steady progress.
Onomatopoeic adverb meaning steadily, diligently, little by little. Implies persistent effort.
Na-adjective meaning steady and honest, often with a nuance of unglamorous but solid work.
Describing a steady look or a hand that does not tremble.
Describing something that happens at a steady pace or remains constant over time.
安定 (antei) refers to stability in a static sense, like a stable table or a stable economy. 着実 (chakujitsu) implies steady progress or reliable steps forward. Use 安定 for things that are not changing, and 着実 for gradual improvement.
This bridge is stable.
Proceed with the plan steadily.
Avoid directly translating 'steady' as ステディ (sutedi) in most contexts. It is not commonly used in Japanese except in specific loanword phrases like ステディカム (Steadicam). Use the appropriate Japanese word based on the nuance.
Please don't say 'steady' (as a loanword).
彼女は冷静さを保った。
She maintained her steadiness.
毎日コツコツ勉強している。
I study steadily every day.
Steady effort paid off.