Translation guide
The quality or state of being still, calm, quiet, or without movement. This guide helps learners express the concept of stillness in Japanese, covering physical motionlessness, quiet atmospheres, and inner calm.
Describing a person, object, or scene that is not moving; absence of motion.
The most direct and common word for physical stillness or motionlessness. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
He remained still and didn't move.
The wind has died down and the lake surface is still.
A plain, everyday phrase meaning 'not moving'. Useful when you want to avoid more formal or technical terms.
That cat is completely still, like a statue.
Primarily means 'quietness' or 'silence', but can imply stillness when the context is about a calm, motionless scene.
The stillness of the forest at night makes it seem as if everything has stopped.
Literally 'immobility'. Often used in formal, philosophical, or technical contexts (e.g., 'immovable object'). Not common in daily conversation.
In Zen, stillness of mind is emphasized.
Describing an environment that is quiet, peaceful, and free from disturbance.
The most common word for quietness or stillness of a place. It conveys a sense of peace and absence of noise.
I love the stillness of the park in the early morning.
A more literary or formal word for profound silence or stillness. Often used in written descriptions or poetry.
Describes a quiet and peaceful environment, often used for residential areas or retreats. Implies a refined, undisturbed stillness.
Describing a state of mental calm, tranquility, or absence of agitation.
Can also refer to inner stillness or peace of mind, though it's more commonly used for external quietness. Context makes it clear.
After meditation, I felt a deep stillness in my mind.
Means 'calmness' or 'composure'. Often used for maintaining a still, unruffled mind in stressful situations.
A poetic or literary phrase meaning 'silence/stillness of the heart'. Used in spiritual or reflective contexts.
Describing a deliberate lack of movement, as in a pose, a photograph, or a performance.
静けさ (shizukesa) is the most versatile and common word for quiet stillness, used for both external environments and inner feelings. 静寂 (seijaku) is more literary and implies a profound, almost sacred silence. 静止 (seishi) specifically refers to physical motionlessness and is not used for quiet atmospheres.
The stillness of the room is comfortable.
A profound stillness descended.
The machine came to a standstill.
While 静けさ can describe a quiet environment, it is not used to tell someone to be still. Use 動かないで (ugokanaide) or じっとして (jitto shite) instead.
Stay still!
The library was enveloped in deep stillness.
静寂の夜、星だけが輝いていた。
In the stillness of the night, only the stars shone.
この辺りは閑静な住宅街です。
This area is a quiet, still residential neighborhood.
彼はどんな時でも平静を保つ。
He maintains stillness of mind no matter what.
She set out on a journey seeking stillness of the heart.
I paused the video and looked closely at that still scene.