1.
calmly; composedly; nonchalantly; unflinchingly
Maintaining a calm, unperturbed demeanor in a situation where most people would be flustered, embarrassed, or upset. Often implies a surprising or even brazen level of composure.
彼女は平然と答えた。
She answered calmly.
批判されても平然としている。
He remains unfazed even when criticized.
あれだけの失敗をしておいて平然と出勤してくるとは驚きだ。
I'm amazed that he shows up to work so nonchalantly after making such a big mistake.
平然と describes maintaining composure in a situation where most people would be flustered, embarrassed, or upset. It often implies a surprising — sometimes admirable, sometimes brazen — level of calm.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 平然としている: to remain unfazed, to be unperturbed
- 平然と〜する: to do something calmly/nonchalantly
- 平然とした態度: a calm/composed attitude
- 平然とした顔: an untroubled face
NUANCE:
The word often carries a judgment from the speaker — either admiration for someone's composure under pressure, or criticism for being shameless or unremorseful.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 冷静: calm, cool-headed (neutral, no judgment implied)
- 平気: unfazed, unbothered (more casual)
- 平然: unfazed in a noteworthy way (literary, implies observer's reaction)
REGISTER:
Somewhat formal and literary. More common in written narratives and news than in casual conversation.