毅 然(きぜん)と

きぜんと

adverb

firmly; resolutely

formaldescriptive

1. firmly; resolutely; with determination

Acting or responding in a resolute, unwavering manner, especially in the face of pressure, criticism, or difficulty.

毅然(きぜん)とした態度(たいど)で断(ことわ)った。

I refused with a firm attitude.

彼女(かのじょ)は批判(ひはん)に対(たい)して毅然(きぜん)と立(た)ち向(む)かった。

She stood up resolutely against the criticism.

不正(ふせい)に対(たい)しては毅然(きぜん)とした対応(たいおう)が求(もと)められる。

A firm response is expected when dealing with wrongdoing.

A たる/と adverb derived from the noun 毅然(きぜん). Most commonly used in the pattern 毅然(きぜん)とした + noun (firm ~) or 毅然(きぜん)と + verb (firmly ~). Conveys admirable strength of character and moral resolve, often used approvingly.

Common patterns

毅然(きぜん)とした態度(たいど): a firm attitude
毅然(きぜん)とした対応(たいおう): a resolute response
毅然(きぜん)と立(た)ち向(む)かう: to stand firm against
毅然(きぜん)と断(ことわ)る: to refuse firmly

Similar words

断固(だんこ)として: firmly, decisively — emphasizes a strong decision or refusal, often used with 反対(はんたい) (opposition)
堂々(どうどう)と: boldly, with dignity — focuses on impressive bearing rather than moral resolve
凛(りん)として: with dignity, composed — emphasizes noble bearing and composure

Related Words

Compare: 堂々(どうどう)と (boldly, with dignity)

Compare: 凛(りん)と (with dignity, composed)

Compare: 断固(だんこ) (firmly, resolutely, decisively)

general

Added 2026.4.2 1:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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