(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)(しと)やかな女性(じょせい)だ。
She is a graceful woman.
(しと)やかな物腰(ものごし)(はな)す。
To speak with a refined manner.
(しと)やかに()()う。
To behave gracefully.

TRADITIONAL MEANING:
(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:

  • (しと)やかな女性(じょせい): graceful woman
  • (しと)やかな()居振(いふ)()い: refined deportment
  • (しと)やかに(ある)く: to walk gracefully

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

SIMILAR ADJECTIVES:

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