平 然(へいぜん)

へいぜん

na-adjective

calm; nonchalant

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(かれ)は平然(へいぜん)としていた。

He was perfectly calm.

嘘(うそ)をついても平然(へいぜん)としている。

Even after lying, he acts completely nonchalant.

大勢(おおぜい)の前(まえ)で失敗(しっぱい)したのに、平然(へいぜん)と話(はな)し続(つづ)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(へいぜん)とした顔(かお)) or adverbially (平然(へいぜん)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(へいぜん)としている: to be unperturbed, to act as if nothing happened
平然(へいぜん)とした顔(かお): a calm/unfazed face
平然(へいぜん)と嘘(うそ)をつく: to lie without batting an eye

Similar words

冷静(れいせい): calm, composed — neutral and positive; implies rational self-control
泰然(たいぜん): composed, unruffled — literary and positive; implies admirable calmness
平気(へいき): fine, unfazed — more colloquial; can mean "not bothered" or "okay with it"

Related Words

Compare: 冷静(れいせい) (calm, composed)

Compare: 泰然(たいぜん) (composed, unruffled)

Compare: 平気(へいき) (fine, unfazed)

general

Added 2026.4.2 1:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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