平常心(へいじょうしん)

へいじょうしん
noun
composure; calm state of mind; equanimity
1. composure; calm state of mind; equanimity
A calm, undisturbed mental state, especially the ability to remain composed under pressure or in stressful situations.
平常心(へいじょうしん)を保(たも)つ。
To maintain composure.
試合(しあい)では平常心(へいじょうしん)が大切(たいせつ)だ。
Composure is important in a match.
緊張(きんちょう)していたが、深呼吸(しんこきゅう)をして平常心(へいじょうしん)を取(と)り戻(もど)した。
I was nervous, but I took a deep breath and regained my composure.

Literally 'ordinary mind' (平常(へいじょう) normal/ordinary + 心(しん) mind/heart). Refers to the ability to stay calm and act as one normally would, without being thrown off by pressure, excitement, or anxiety.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 平常心(へいじょうしん)を保(たも)つ: to maintain composure
  • 平常心(へいじょうしん)を失(うしな)う: to lose one's composure
  • 平常心(へいじょうしん)で臨(のぞ)む: to face something with a calm mind
  • 平常心(へいじょうしん)を取(と)り戻(もど)す: to regain composure

USAGE:
Frequently used in sports, martial arts, and business contexts where performing under pressure is valued. It is a key concept in Zen Buddhism and Japanese martial arts, where maintaining a calm, unflustered state of mind is considered essential for peak performance.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 冷静(れいせい): cool-headed, calm — emphasizes rational thinking rather than inner peace
  • 落(お)ち着(つ)き: composure, calmness — more colloquial and general
general
Added 2026.4.1 23:16
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