Translation guide
This entry covers how to express acting or appearing calm, casual, and unconcerned in Japanese. It focuses on natural adverbs, phrases, and strategies for conveying a nonchalant attitude.
彼は平然としていた。
He acted nonchalantly.
彼女はさりげなくそれを口にした。
She mentioned it nonchalantly.
To describe doing something in a relaxed, casual way, as if nothing is wrong or important.
An adverb meaning calmly, composedly, or nonchalantly, often used when someone acts unfazed in a situation that would normally cause a reaction.
彼は平然と嘘をついた。
He told a lie nonchalantly.
An adverb meaning casually or nonchalantly, with a nuance of doing something in a way that doesn't draw attention. Often used for subtle actions or remarks.
彼女はさりげなく話題を変えた。
She nonchalantly changed the subject.
An adverb meaning casually, without much thought, or nonchalantly. It implies doing something as if it's no big deal.
彼は何気なくその質問に答えた。
He answered the question nonchalantly.
Literally 'with a cool face,' this phrase describes someone acting nonchalant or unfazed, especially when they should be embarrassed or worried.
失敗しても涼しい顔をしていた。
Even after failing, he acted nonchalantly.
An adverb meaning calmly, without hesitation, or nonchalantly, often used when someone does something bold or insensitive without showing concern.
彼は平気で遅刻してくる。
He nonchalantly shows up late.
To describe speaking or acting in a relaxed, informal way, as if something is not serious.
An adverb meaning lightheartedly, casually, or without formality. It suggests a friendly, easygoing approach.
気軽に声をかけてください。
Please feel free to talk to me nonchalantly.
An adverb meaning lightly or casually. It can be used for actions done in a non-serious, offhand way.
彼は軽く手を振った。
He waved his hand nonchalantly.
Literally 'as if it's nothing,' this phrase emphasizes acting as if something is trivial or unimportant.
彼は何でもないようにその話をした。
He told the story nonchalantly, as if it were nothing.
平然と emphasizes composure under pressure, while さりげなく emphasizes doing something subtly without drawing attention. Use 平然と when someone remains unfazed, and さりげなく when someone acts casually to avoid notice.
彼は批判されても平然としていた。
He remained nonchalant even when criticized.
彼女はさりげなく彼の様子を観察した。
She nonchalantly observed his behavior.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'nonchalantly' in all contexts. Translating it directly as ノンチャラントに is not natural. Choose an expression based on the specific nuance you want to convey.