1.
flat, even, level
Describes terrain or a surface that is flat and without significant slopes or bumps.
平坦な道が続く。
The flat road continues.
この辺りは地形が平坦で歩きやすい。
The terrain around here is flat and easy to walk.
平坦な土地が少ない日本では、山を切り開いて住宅地を作ることが多い。
In Japan, where flat land is scarce, it is common to clear mountains to create residential areas.
2.
smooth, uneventful, without obstacles
Describes a path, course of events, or life journey that proceeds without significant difficulties or dramatic changes.
人生は平坦ではない。
Life is not smooth sailing.
ここまでの道のりは決して平坦ではなかった。
The journey to this point was by no means easy.
彼女のキャリアは平坦な道ではなく、多くの困難を乗り越えてきた。
Her career was not a smooth road; she overcame many difficulties.
USAGE:
Used as a na-adjective: 平坦な～. The figurative sense (sense 2) is very common, especially in the negative form 平坦ではない (not smooth/easy), to describe a challenging journey or difficult life path. Related word: 平地 (flatland, plain).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 平坦な道: flat road; smooth path (figurative)
- 平坦な土地: flat land
- 平坦ではない: not smooth, not easy
- 平坦な人生: uneventful life