平和
heiwa[he̞ːβ̞a̠]
The Japanese word for peaceful is 平和 (heiwa).
平和 is primarily a noun meaning peace. It is used to describe large-scale concepts, such as world peace or the absence of war.
Meaning: inclined to peace, peaceable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 平和 can be used in certain contexts to mean peaceful, its primary function is the noun peace.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 平和的 is used as a 'na-adjective' to modify nouns, such as a 'peaceful resolution'. Adding に to the end of the word to create 平和的に turns it into an adverb meaning 'peacefully'.
How do you pronounce it?
heiwa
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the concept of 和 (harmony) within 平和 is often prioritized over individual rights to maintain a 'peaceful' social atmosphere.
- To describe a 'peaceful' sleep or a 'peaceful' death, Japanese speakers rarely use 平和 and instead use 安らか, which relates to ease and comfort.
- The kanji 和 in 平和 is the same character used to represent 'Japanese style', such as in the word 和食 (washoku) for Japanese food.
Examples in context
- 平和だなぁ。It's so peaceful.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling that something is peaceful using 平和.Tatoeba #11257899 by sh5555, translation #2249269 by CK
- 国連は紛争の当事国に対し、対話による平和的解決を求めた。The United Nations called on the parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.This sentence shows how to use 平和 in a formal context regarding a peaceful resolution.Tatoeba #14006396 by small_snow, translation #14006439 by JimBreen
- マーティン・ルーサー・キング牧師の支持者の中には、平和的に抗議するという彼の信念に疑いの念を持つ物も現れ始めた。Some of Martin Luther King's supporters began to question his belief in peaceful protests.This sentence demonstrates the use of 平和 in the context of peaceful protests.Tatoeba #225728 by KK_kaku_, translation #63066 by CM
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are walking through a quiet park.
- 結衣 Yuiここは本当に平和な場所ですね。Koko wa hontō ni heiwa na basho desu ne.This is such a peaceful place, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaええ、とても心が落ち着きます。Ee, totemo kokoro ga ochiitsukimasu.Yes, it really puts my mind at ease.
- 結衣 Yui世界中が平和になればいいのに。Sekaijū ga heiwa ni nareba ii noni.I wish the whole world could be peaceful.
- 健太 Kenta本当にそうですね。Hontō ni sō desu ne.I truly agree.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 平和, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
