Translation guide
The English word 'neutral' can describe a position of not taking sides, a color that is not strong, a flavor that is mild, or a state of being disengaged. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
Expressing that someone or something does not support either side in a disagreement, war, or competition.
The standard word for political, diplomatic, or formal neutrality. Can be used as a noun or with の to modify nouns.
その国は戦争中、中立を保った。
That country remained neutral during the war.
彼は中立の立場を取っている。
He is taking a neutral stance.
Literally 'neither', this is a very common and natural way to say you are neutral in everyday situations, like choosing between two options.
どっちの案がいい？ — どちらでもないかな。
Which plan is better? — I'm neutral, I guess.
A set phrase meaning 'to take a neutral position'. More formal than どちらでもない.
会社はこの問題について中立の立場を取っている。
The company is taking a neutral position on this issue.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like car gears or sports, but not for political neutrality.
ギアをニュートラルに入れてください。
Please put the gear in neutral.
Describing a color that is muted, such as beige, gray, or off-white, often used in fashion or interior design.
Literally 'calm color', this is the most natural way to describe neutral tones in everyday Japanese.
この部屋は落ち着いた色でまとめられている。
This room is decorated in neutral colors.
Literally 'intermediate color', a more technical term used in art or design.
中間色を使うと、デザインが柔らかくなる。
Using neutral colors makes the design softer.
Loanword from English, common in fashion magazines but less natural in daily conversation.
今年の春はニュートラルカラーが流行っている。
Neutral colors are trendy this spring.
Describing food or drink that does not have a strong taste, such as plain rice or mild cheese.
Describes a light, mild flavor, often used for soups, broths, or dishes that are not heavy or greasy.
このスープはあっさりしていて飲みやすい。
This soup is neutral and easy to drink.
Literally 'has no peculiarity', used for foods that are plain and inoffensive, like tofu or white rice.
このチーズはクセがなくて食べやすい。
This cheese is neutral and easy to eat.
Means light or bland in flavor, often used for fish or chicken breast. Can also describe a personality as unemotional.
Describing a facial expression or attitude that does not reveal feelings, often in a situation where a reaction is expected.
Literally 'no expression', used for a poker face or blank look.
彼は無表情でその知らせを聞いた。
He listened to the news with a neutral expression.
A phrase meaning 'not showing emotion', often used to describe someone's demeanor.
彼女はいつも感情を表に出さない。
She always keeps a neutral demeanor.
Expressing that something is average, unremarkable, or that you have no strong opinion about it.
A set phrase meaning 'neither good nor bad', used to give a neutral evaluation.
映画は可もなく不可もなくだった。
The movie was neutral — neither good nor bad.
Means 'normal' or 'average', often used in casual conversation to express a neutral opinion.
味は普通だった。
The taste was neutral (just average).
When describing neutral colors, do not use 中立の色 (chūritsu no iro). This sounds unnatural. Use 落ち着いた色 or 中間色 instead.
Both describe mild flavors, but あっさり implies lightness and refreshment (e.g., clear soup), while 淡白 can imply blandness or lack of richness (e.g., plain tofu). 淡白 can also describe personality.
白身魚は淡白な味だ。
White fish has a neutral flavor.