Translation guide
The English word "unaffected" can describe a person who is genuine and not pretentious, or a state of being unchanged by external factors. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both senses.
Describing someone who is sincere, down-to-earth, and not putting on airs.
Literally 'not putting on airs'. The most common and natural way to describe an unaffected, unpretentious person or manner.
She is an unaffected person.
His unaffected attitude made a good impression.
Means 'natural state' or 'being oneself'. Often used to describe someone who acts naturally without pretense.
I like his unaffected behavior.
Literally 'not decorating'. Implies honesty and simplicity, often used for personality or speech.
I'm drawn to his unaffected personality.
Describes a frank, open, and unpretentious personality, often without excessive emotional baggage.
She is unaffected and easy to talk to.
Means 'pure-hearted' or 'innocent'. Can imply unaffectedness in a childlike, naive sense.
His unaffected smile was refreshing.
Describing a state where someone or something remains unchanged despite external factors.
Directly means 'not influenced'. The most straightforward way to express being unaffected by something.
He is unaffected by criticism.
This area was unaffected by the earthquake.
Means 'unperturbed' or 'unshaken'. Often used for people who remain calm and unaffected by pressure or surprises.
He is unaffected no matter what happens.
Means 'unchanged'. Can be used when something remains the same despite potential influences.
His determination was unaffected.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'as if nothing happened' or 'completely indifferent'. Describes someone who acts unaffected by criticism or events around them.
気取らない emphasizes the absence of pretense or affectation, while 自然体 focuses on being natural and relaxed. Both are positive, but 気取らない can sometimes imply a deliberate choice to be unpretentious, whereas 自然体 suggests an innate quality.
Avoid directly translating 'unaffected' as 影響されない in all contexts. For people, 影響されない can sound like 'uninfluenceable' or 'stubborn'. Use 動じない or 気取らない depending on the nuance.
He remained unaffected by the criticism around him.