淑(しと)やか

しとやか

na-adjective

graceful; gentle; refined

1. graceful; gentle; refined

Describing elegant, modest, and gentle behavior or demeanor, traditionally associated with ideal feminine qualities in Japanese culture.

彼女(かのじょ)は淑(しと)やかな女性(じょせい)だ。

She is a graceful woman.

淑(しと)やかな物腰(ものごし)で話(はな)す。

To speak with a refined manner.

淑(しと)やかに振(ふ)る舞(ま)う。

To behave gracefully.

Traditional meaning

淑(しと)やか represents traditional Japanese feminine ideals: quiet elegance, modesty, and refinement. While historically used mainly for women, it can describe anyone with such qualities.

Common collocations

淑(しと)やかな女性(じょせい): graceful woman
淑(しと)やかな立(た)ち居振(いふ)る舞(ま)い: refined deportment
淑(しと)やかに歩(ある)く: to walk gracefully

Writing

The kanji 淑 means "gentle" or "virtuous" and is also used in 淑女(しゅくじょ) (lady, gentlewoman).

Similar words

上品(じょうひん): elegant, refined
優雅(ゆうが): graceful, elegant
おしとやか: same meaning (variant)

Related Words

Synonym: 上品(じょうひん) (elegant, refined)

Synonym: 優雅(ゆうが) (graceful, elegant)

Compare: おしとやか (same meaning)

general

Added 2026.1.16 18:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

05500/05737_shitoyaka