落ち着く
ochitsuku[o̞t͡ɕit͡sɨ̥kɯ̟]
In Japanese, the word for chill is 落ち着く (ochitsuku).
The word 落ち着く can be used to describe someone who is calm, relaxed or easygoing. It can also function as an intransitive verb meaning to calm down or settle down after a period of excitement or agitation. Other ways to express a 'chill' feeling include using the slang adjective ゆるい for a laid-back vibe, the casual phrase のんびりしている to describe taking it easy or the term マイペース to describe someone who follows their own relaxed personal rhythm regardless of external pressure.
Meaning: calm, relaxed, easygoing (adj)
Which one should you use?
While it can mean 'to be a calm person,' 落ち着く is also frequently used as an intransitive verb meaning 'to calm down' after a period of excitement or agitation.
How do you pronounce it?
ochitsuku
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to tell someone to 'chill out' or 'calm down,' do not use the dictionary form 落ち着く.
Did you know?
- The word 落ち着く (ochitsuku) contains the kanji for 'settle', which is the same component used in words for 'to land' or 'to alight'. It evokes the image of a bird finally settling on a branch after flying.
- The term マイペース (maipe-su) is a 'wasei-eigo' or Japanese-made English word. It does not mean 'my pace' in the sense of speed, but rather describes a person's temperament as being unhurried and unbothered by others.
- While 落ち着く describes a person being calm, it is also the most common way to say a place feels 'comfortable' or 'homey'. You might say a cafe 落ち着く because the atmosphere allows you to relax.
Examples in context
- 彼はいつもリラックスしている感じがする。He always gives off a chill vibe.
- あの人は本当にゆるい性格だね。That person has a really relaxed personality.
- 大阪の人はおおらかなイメージがあるよ。People from Osaka have an image of being easygoing.
- このカフェは落ち着くね。Kono kafe wa ochitsuku ne.This cafe is chill, isn't it?
- 一人でいると落ち着く。Hitori de iru to ochitsuku.I feel calm when I'm alone.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are sitting in a quiet cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiこのカフェ、本当に落ち着くね。Kono kafe, hontō ni ochitsuku ne.This cafe is really chill, isn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね。静かでいいところだ。Sō da ne. Shizuka de ii tokoro da.Yeah. It's a nice, quiet place.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くんはいつも落ち着いているね。Ren-kun wa itsumo ochitsuite iru ne.You're always so relaxed, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。褒められて嬉しいよ。Arigatō. Homerarete ureshii yo.Thanks. I'm happy to be complimented.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 落ち着く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
