Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Calm" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "calm", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
穏やか
おだやか (odayaka)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
平気
へいき (heiki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "calm" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 穏やか and 平気.
In Japanese, 穏やか (おだやか (odayaka)) is typically associated with "calm, gentle, mild, quiet" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A な-adjective that describes a state of peacefulness, calmness, or mildness, applicable to weather, personality, or atmosphere..
On the other hand, 平気 (へいき (heiki)) maps to "calm, unconcerned, all right, fine" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes a state of being undisturbed, not bothered, or unaffected by something that might normally cause concern or discomfort. Often implies resilience or lack of fear.. A literal translation of "calm" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "穏やか"
今日は風もなく穏やかな天気だ。
Today's weather is calm with no wind.
Bilingual Context for "平気"
少しくらいの残業は、私にとっては平気だ。
A little overtime is fine for me.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日は風もなく ＿＿＿ な天気だ。" (Meaning: "Today's weather is calm with no wind.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "穏やか" fits here because it means "calm, gentle, mild, quiet" in the context of: "Today's weather is calm with no wind.". "平気" represents "calm, unconcerned, all right, fine".