1.
calm; nonchalant; unperturbed
Remaining composed and unaffected in a situation where most people would be upset, embarrassed, or surprised. Often implies the calmness is surprising or somewhat inappropriate given the circumstances.
彼は平然としていた。
He was perfectly calm.
嘘をついても平然としている。
Even after lying, he acts completely nonchalant.
大勢の前で失敗したのに、平然と話し続けた。
Despite making a mistake in front of a large crowd, she continued speaking calmly.
Can be used as a na-adjective (平然とした顔) or adverbially (平然と). Often carries a nuance of surprise or criticism — the speaker finds the person's calmness unexpected or even inappropriate given the situation. When used negatively, it implies someone is shameless or unfazed when they should feel embarrassment or guilt.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 平然としている: to be unperturbed, to act as if nothing happened
- 平然とした顔: a calm/unfazed face
- 平然と嘘をつく: to lie without batting an eye
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 冷静: calm, composed — neutral and positive; implies rational self-control
- 泰然: composed, unruffled — literary and positive; implies admirable calmness
- 平気: fine, unfazed — more colloquial; can mean "not bothered" or "okay with it"