おもむろに
おもむろに
adverb
slowly; deliberately; solemnly
1.
slowly; deliberately; solemnly
Doing something in a slow, deliberate, and composed manner. Suggests dignity or gravity in one's actions.
彼はおもむろに立ち上がった。
He slowly rose to his feet.
おもむろにポケットから手紙を取り出した。
She deliberately took a letter out of her pocket.
先生はおもむろに話し始めた。
The teacher solemnly began to speak.
KANJI:
Can be written as 徐に.
USAGE:
おもむろに emphasizes deliberate, unhurried movement. It suggests a certain gravity, composure, or solemnity to the action. Often used to create dramatic or literary effect.
COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING:
Many Japanese speakers mistakenly believe おもむろに means "suddenly" or "abruptly," but its correct meaning is "slowly/deliberately." This is one of the most commonly misunderstood words in Japanese.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- おもむろに立ち上がる (to rise slowly)
- おもむろに口を開く (to slowly begin to speak)
- おもむろに取り出す (to deliberately take out)
REGISTER:
Literary/formal. More common in written language and narratives.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ゆっくり - slowly (neutral, common)
- 徐々に - gradually
- 静かに - quietly
- おもむきがある - has an atmosphere/flavor (different word)