Translation guide
The English word 'manner' can refer to a way of doing something, personal behavior, or social etiquette. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing the method, style, or way in which an action is performed.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'way of doing X'. This is the most common and natural way to express 'manner of doing'.
彼の話し方はとても丁寧だ。
His manner of speaking is very polite.
Please teach me the manner of making this dish.
Means 'way of doing' or 'method'. Slightly more casual than 方法. Often used for practical tasks.
彼のやり方はいつも効率的だ。
His manner of doing things is always efficient.
Formal word for 'method' or 'way'. Suitable for written or technical contexts.
新しい方法を試してみよう。
Let's try a new manner of doing it.
Refers to a fixed style or form, often in art, architecture, or formal procedures. Not for everyday actions.
この建築はゴシック様式だ。
This building is in the Gothic manner.
Referring to someone's characteristic way of behaving, their attitude, or conduct.
Means 'attitude' or 'demeanor'. Commonly used to describe someone's manner or behavior in a situation.
彼の態度はいつも冷静だ。
His manner is always calm.
そんな態度を取るべきではない。
You shouldn't adopt that manner.
Refers to one's bearing or manner, especially in terms of politeness and refinement. Often used positively.
Means 'behavior' or 'conduct', often in social settings. Can be used for both good and bad manners.
Referring to rules of polite behavior in society, often used in plural 'manners'.
Loanword from English, widely used for social etiquette, table manners, business manners, etc.
食事のマナーを守りましょう。
Let's observe table manners.
ビジネスマナーを学ぶ。
Learn business manners.
Refers to manners or behavior, especially of children or in terms of discipline. Often used in phrases like 行儀がいい/悪い.
Refers to traditional etiquette, rules of ceremony, or formal manners (e.g., tea ceremony, martial arts).
Means 'courtesy' or 'etiquette'. Often used in phrases like 礼儀正しい (polite).
Expressing similarity in style or behavior, often as 'in the manner of X'.
Means 'like' or 'in the manner of'. Attach to a noun.
彼はプロのように歌う。
He sings in the manner of a pro.
Means 'in the style of'. Often used for artistic or stylistic imitation.
日本風にアレンジする。
Arrange it in the Japanese manner.
態度 is the most general for attitude/demeanor and can be negative or positive. 振る舞い focuses on observable conduct in social situations. 物腰 is specifically about graceful, polite bearing and is usually positive.
マナー only refers to etiquette or polite behavior. To say 'way of doing something', use 〜方, 方法, or やり方.
話し方
manner of speaking (not 話すマナー)
彼女は物腰が柔らかい。
She has a gentle manner.
彼の振る舞いは紳士的だ。
His manner is gentlemanly.
He has good manners.
行儀悪くしないで。
Don't have bad manners.
Learn the manners of tea ceremony.
礼儀をわきまえる。
Know one's manners.