Translation guide
The quality or state of being still, calm, quiet, or without movement. This guide helps learners express the concept of stillness in Japanese, covering physical motionlessness, quiet atmospheres, and inner calm.
Describing a person, object, or scene that is not moving; absence of motion.
The most direct and common word for physical stillness or motionlessness. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
彼は静止したまま動かなかった。
He remained still and didn't move.
風がやんで湖面は静止している。
The wind has died down and the lake surface is still.
A plain, everyday phrase meaning 'not moving'. Useful when you want to avoid more formal or technical terms.
その猫は完全に動かないこと、まるで置物みたいだ。
That cat is completely still, like a statue.
Primarily means 'quietness' or 'silence', but can imply stillness when the context is about a calm, motionless scene.
夜の森の静けさは、すべてが止まっているかのようだ。
The stillness of the forest at night makes it seem as if everything has stopped.
Literally 'immobility'. Often used in formal, philosophical, or technical contexts (e.g., 'immovable object'). Not common in daily conversation.
禅では心の不動が重視される。
In Zen, stillness of mind is emphasized.
Describing an environment that is quiet, peaceful, and free from disturbance.
The most common word for quietness or stillness of a place. It conveys a sense of peace and absence of noise.
早朝の公園の静けさが好きだ。
I love the stillness of the park in the early morning.
図書館の中は深い静けさに包まれていた。
The library was enveloped in deep stillness.
A more literary or formal word for profound silence or stillness. Often used in written descriptions or poetry.
Describes a quiet and peaceful environment, often used for residential areas or retreats. Implies a refined, undisturbed stillness.
Describing a state of mental calm, tranquility, or absence of agitation.
Can also refer to inner stillness or peace of mind, though it's more commonly used for external quietness. Context makes it clear.
瞑想の後、心に深い静けさを感じた。
After meditation, I felt a deep stillness in my mind.
Means 'calmness' or 'composure'. Often used for maintaining a still, unruffled mind in stressful situations.
A poetic or literary phrase meaning 'silence/stillness of the heart'. Used in spiritual or reflective contexts.
彼女は心の静寂を求めて旅に出た。
She set out on a journey seeking stillness of the heart.
Describing a deliberate lack of movement, as in a pose, a photograph, or a performance.
A natural way to say 'to be still' or 'to remain motionless' for a purpose, like posing for a photo.
写真を撮るから、ちょっと動かないでいて。
I'm taking a picture, so stay still for a moment.
Also used in contexts like 'freeze frame' or 'still image'. Technical but common in media.
ビデオを静止して、その場面をよく見た。
I paused the video and looked closely at that still scene.
静けさ (shizukesa) is the most versatile and common word for quiet stillness, used for both external environments and inner feelings. 静寂 (seijaku) is more literary and implies a profound, almost sacred silence. 静止 (seishi) specifically refers to physical motionlessness and is not used for quiet atmospheres.
部屋の静けさが心地よい。
The stillness of the room is comfortable.
静寂が訪れた。
A profound stillness descended.
機械が静止した。
The machine came to a standstill.
While 静けさ can describe a quiet environment, it is not used to tell someone to be still. Use 動かないで (ugokanaide) or じっとして (jitto shite) instead.
じっとしてて！
Stay still!
静寂の夜、星だけが輝いていた。
In the stillness of the night, only the stars shone.
この辺りは閑静な住宅街です。
This area is a quiet, still residential neighborhood.
彼はどんな時でも平静を保つ。
He maintains stillness of mind no matter what.