平然(へいぜん)と

平然(へいぜん)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(へいぜん)としている: to remain unfazed, to be unperturbed
• 平然(へいぜん)と〜する: to do something calmly/nonchalantly
• 平然(へいぜん)とした態度(たいど): a calm/composed attitude
• 平然(へいぜん)とした顔(かお): an untroubled face

Usage

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(れいせい): calm, cool-headed (neutral, no judgment implied)
• 平気(へいき): unfazed, unbothered (more casual)
• 平然(へいぜん): 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.