na-adjective, taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle, noun
disinterested; unselfish; indifferent; detached
Describes a calm, unselfish, and detached attitude, free from greed or worldly desires. Often used in literary or formal contexts. Can be used as a noun, na-adjective, or taru-adjective/adverb with と.
He is indifferent to fame and fortune.
A person with a disinterested nature does not like conflict.
淡泊 also means 'indifferent' or 'unselfish', but often implies simplicity or lack of persistence, while 恬淡 emphasizes a serene, detached state of mind.
無欲 means 'unselfish' or 'free from greed' more directly, whereas 恬淡 includes a nuance of calm detachment beyond mere lack of desire.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant kanji form using 澹 instead of 淡; less common.
Rare variant kanji form.
The word is composed of 恬 (calm, quiet) and 淡 (thin, indifferent). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination suggests a state of serene detachment.