冷静
reisei
The English word "calmness" is translated into Japanese as 冷静 (reisei).
冷静 is specifically used to describe a person's mental composure or the ability to remain level-headed under pressure.
Meaning: the state of being calm, tranquillity, silence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 冷静 refers to mental composure, 静か is used to describe a quiet environment or a person's quiet nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 冷静 becomes a na-adjective by adding な when it modifies a noun. The noun 冷静 becomes an adverb by adding に when it modifies a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
reisei
Did you know?
- To tell someone to 'calm down' in a high-stress situation, a Japanese speaker might use 落ち着いて, which literally means 'to settle' like sediment in a liquid.
- The first character of 冷静 means 'cold', while the second means 'quiet'. In Japanese, the concept of calmness is linguistically tied to a physical drop in temperature.
- In certain contexts, a person who is too 冷静 might be criticized for lacking 'human warmth' or empathy.
Examples in context
- 冷静な態度が大切です。reisei na taido ga taisetsu desu.A calm attitude is important.
Example conversation
Misaki is advising Ren before a big presentation.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、緊張しすぎないでね。Ren-san, kinchou shisuginaide ne.Ren, don't get too nervous.
- 蓮 Ren大丈夫。冷静に話せると思うよ。Daijoubu. Reisei ni hanaseru to omou yo.I'll be fine. I think I can speak calmly.
- 美咲 Misakiその冷静さが大切よ。Sono reiseisa ga taisetsu yo.That calmness is important.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、美咲さん。Arigatou, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
