Translation guide
The English word 'steady' covers several related ideas: something that is stable and not shaking, something that continues without interruption, a regular romantic partner, and a calm, reliable person. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing a physical object, structure, or surface that is firm and does not move or shake.
Used for things that are stable and not likely to fall or change suddenly. Often used for structures, economies, or conditions.
この机は安定している。
This desk is steady.
Emphasizes firmness and reliability. Common for describing well-built objects or a firm grip.
しっかりした脚立を使ってください。
Please use a steady stepladder.
Literally 'not wobbling'. A direct way to say something is physically steady.
この椅子はぐらつかない。
This chair is steady.
Describing an action, process, or flow that is constant and does not stop or fluctuate.
Also used for steady, uninterrupted progress or supply.
彼は安定したペースで走っている。
He is running at a steady pace.
Steady and sure, often used for progress, growth, or effort that is consistent and reliable.
着実な進歩が見られる。
Steady progress can be seen.
A loanword meaning constant or steady, often used in business or technical contexts.
コンスタントな需要がある。
There is steady demand.
Means incessant or unceasing. Can sound slightly literary or emphatic.
Referring to a boyfriend or girlfriend in a steady, exclusive relationship.
A natural way to say 'steady partner' in a romantic sense. Implies exclusivity.
彼には決まった相手がいる。
He has a steady girlfriend.
Slang for one's main romantic interest, as opposed to casual dates. Common among younger people.
あの子が本命なの？
Is she your steady?
Means 'boyfriend'. In context, it implies a steady relationship.
彼氏ができた。
I got a steady boyfriend.
Means 'girlfriend'. Implies a steady relationship when used in this context.
彼女がいるの？
Do you have a steady girlfriend?
Describing a person who is dependable, not easily excited, and consistent in character.
Describes a calm, composed, and steady personality.
彼は落ち着いた人だ。
He is a steady person.
Means solid, reliable, and prudent. Often used for a person's character or lifestyle.
堅実な性格の持ち主だ。
He has a steady character.
Can also describe a person who is steady and methodical in their work or approach.
着実な人材を求めている。
We are looking for steady personnel.
Describing eyes or a look that is fixed, unwavering, and often intense.
To gaze steadily at something or someone. 'じっと' implies fixed, motionless attention.
彼は私をじっと見つめた。
He gave me a steady look.
A more formal or literary word for staring steadily.
彼女は一点を凝視していた。
She was staring steadily at one point.
Describing a hand that does not shake, often implying skill in tasks requiring precision.
Literally 'hand does not shake'. A straightforward way to describe a steady hand.
手術には手が震えないことが大切だ。
For surgery, a steady hand is important.
Means one's hand does not slip or make a mistake. Used for precise manual work.
彼は手元が狂わない。
He has a steady hand.
Both can translate 'steady', but 安定した emphasizes stability and lack of fluctuation, while 着実な emphasizes steady, step-by-step progress or reliability. Use 安定した for physical stability or constant conditions, and 着実な for gradual, dependable advancement.
Do not use 安定した彼氏/彼女 to mean 'steady boyfriend/girlfriend'. That would sound like the person is emotionally stable, not that the relationship is exclusive. Use 決まった相手 or simply 彼氏/彼女.
絶え間ない努力が必要だ。
Steady effort is necessary.