Translation guide
Describes a manner or attitude of being calm, indifferent, or nonchalant, often in situations where others might be worried or excited.
To describe someone acting as if nothing is wrong or as if they don't care, often in a relaxed or indifferent way.
To describe someone deliberately acting unconcerned to hide their true feelings or to avoid involvement.
To describe someone who remains unruffled and shows no sign of worry even in stressful situations.
Both can mean 'unconcerned', but 平然 emphasizes outward composure and calmness, while 平気 is more about feeling fine or unbothered internally. 平然 is often used for demeanor, 平気 for emotional state.
There is no single direct equivalent. The best choice depends on whether you mean nonchalance, feigned ignorance, or calmness. Avoid literal translations like 無関心な空気, which sounds unnatural.
Describes a calm, composed, and unconcerned demeanor, often in the face of something that would normally cause agitation. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は平然とした顔で嘘をついた。
He told a lie with an unconcerned look on his face.
Common word for being unbothered, fine, or indifferent. Often used when someone is not affected by something that would normally cause worry or embarrassment.
彼女は失敗しても平気な顔をしている。
She has an unconcerned look even when she fails.
Literally 'cool face', meaning an unconcerned or nonchalant expression, as if nothing is wrong. Often used when someone should be embarrassed or worried.
遅刻したのに、彼は涼しい顔で会議に入ってきた。
Even though he was late, he walked into the meeting with an unconcerned air.
A composed, unconcerned face, sometimes with a nuance of pretending not to know or feigning innocence.
彼は何も知らないと澄ました顔で言った。
He said with an unconcerned air that he knew nothing.
Indifference or unconcern, often about one's appearance or social norms. More about a general lack of care.
彼は服装に無頓着で、いつも同じ服を着ている。
He is unconcerned about his clothes and always wears the same outfit.
Literally 'not-knowing face', meaning to pretend not to notice or to act unconcerned about something one is actually aware of.
彼は私を見ても知らん顔をした。
He pretended not to see me and had an unconcerned air.
Similar to 知らん顔, meaning to feign ignorance or act as if one doesn't know, with an unconcerned expression.
彼女はそ知らぬ顔で通り過ぎた。
She passed by with an unconcerned air, pretending not to know.
Verb meaning to play dumb or feign ignorance, often with an unconcerned or innocent air.
彼はとぼけて、何も聞いていないふりをした。
He played dumb and acted as if he hadn't heard anything, with an unconcerned air.
Describes a state of being calm, composed, and unperturbed, often in the face of danger or difficulty. More literary/formal.
彼は危機の中でも泰然としていた。
He remained calm and had an unconcerned air even in the midst of the crisis.
Calm, composed, and unhurried; often implies a dignified, unconcerned air. Can be used for people or their demeanor.
彼は悠然と構えて、批判を気にしなかった。
He remained composed and had an unconcerned air, not bothered by the criticism.