のんびりした
nonbiri shita
The English phrase "easy going" is translated into Japanese as のんびりした (nonbiri shita).
のんびりした is used to describe a person who is relaxed and does not get stressed or upset easily. It can also describe a slow-paced environment or a lack of urgency in a situation. To use this as a noun phrase meaning "an easy-going person", you append 人 (person) directly to the phrase to form のんびりした人.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the phrase is the onomatopoeic word のんびり, which conveys a sense of being carefree, leisurely or unhurried.
How do you pronounce it?
nonbiri shita
Did you know?
- While のんびりした describes a relaxed person, it can also be used to criticize someone for being too slow or lacking a sense of urgency. Depending on the context, it can shift from a compliment to a subtle way of saying someone is being unproductive.
- Japanese has another word for 'easy going' called おおらか, which specifically describes a 'big-hearted' person who doesn't sweat the small stuff, whereas のんびり focuses more on a slow pace of life.
- In Japanese pop culture, the character archetype of the のんびり person often involves a specific slow, airy way of speaking with longer pauses between words to match the meaning of the phrase.
Examples in context
- 伊藤さんはとても穏やかな人です。Mr. Ito is a very easy going person.
- 今日はのんびり過ごしましょう。Let's spend today in an easy-going manner.
- 彼はいつもゆるい感じですね。He always gives off a relaxed vibe, doesn't he?
- 彼はとてものんびりした人です。Kare wa totemo nonbiri shita hito desu.He is a very easygoing person.
- のんびりした性格が好きです。Nonbiri shita seikaku ga suki desu.I like easygoing personalities.
- あの子はのんびりしたところがある。Ano ko wa nonbiri shita tokoro ga aru.That girl has an easygoing side to her.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about a new colleague.
- 結衣 Yui新しい同僚はどういう人？Atarashii douryous wa dou iu hito?What is the new colleague like?
- 健太 Kentaとてものんびりした人だよ。Totemo nonbiri shita hito dayo.He's a very easy-going person.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは安心したわ。Sore wa anshin shita wa.That's a relief.
- 健太 Kentaうん、一緒にいて楽だよ。Un, issho ni ite raku dayo.Yeah, he's easy to be around.
