Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 穏やかな | odayaka na |
| 静かな | shizuka na |
| 平穏な | heion na |
The adjectives used for 'calm' describe different types of stability. 穏やかな describes something gentle, mild or peaceful, such as a temperament or weather. 静かな refers to a quiet or silent environment where there is an absence of noise or movement. 平穏な is used to describe a state of peace and stability, such as a peaceful life or a stable social order.
Which one should you use?
While all three words relate to a lack of agitation, they have different focuses. 穏やかな focuses on the absence of turbulence or agitation (being gentle or mild), whereas 静かな focuses on the absence of noise or movement (being quiet or still).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the adjective 穏やかな is 穏やかだ, which is used at the end of a sentence in plain style. To express that something 'becomes calm' or 'becomes quiet', you use the adverbial form of the adjective followed by the verb なる (to become), such as 静かになる.
How do you pronounce it?
odayaka na
Did you know?
- In Japanese aesthetics, the concept of 'calm' or 'stillness' is often linked to the idea of 'Ma' (space or pause), where the absence of movement is seen as a powerful presence.
- Japanese speakers might use 静か (shizuka) to ask for silence, but using it to describe a person can sometimes imply they are 'too' quiet or lacking in social energy.
- The term 穏やか (odayaka) is used for both a calm sea and a calm person, creating a linguistic link between the predictability of nature and human reliability.
Examples in context
- 静かな水面は、鏡のように彼女の顔立ちを映し出していた。The calm surface reflected her features like a mirror.This sentence uses the form 静かな to describe a calm surface.Tatoeba #142542 by KK_kaku_, translation #272028 by Dejo
- 穏やかな海にヨットが二三浮かんでいる。There are a few yachts on the calm sea.This sentence uses the form 穏やかな to describe a calm sea.Tatoeba #236716 by mookeee, translation #25462 by Scott
- 会議室で落ち着いてお待ちください。Please wait calmly in the conference room.
- 海は穏やかで、泳ぎやすかった。The sea was calm, making it easy to swim.
- 彼はいつも落ち着いている。He is always calm.
- 穏やかな表情で彼は微笑んだ。Odayaka na hyoujou de kare wa hohoenda.He smiled with a calm expression.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are walking in a park on a quiet afternoon.
- 結衣 Yui今日は本当に穏やかな天気ね。Kyou wa hontou ni odayaka na tenki ne.The weather is truly calm today, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね、とても気持ちがいいよ。Sou dane, totemo kimochi ga ii yo.You're right, it feels very nice.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんもリラックスできそうね。Ren-san mo rirakkusu dekisou ne.It looks like you can relax too, Ren.
- 蓮 Renうん、結衣のおかげで落ち着くよ。Un, Yui no okage de ochitsuku yo.Yeah, I feel calm thanks to you, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calm” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
