おしとやか

na-adjective

graceful; demure; ladylike

1. graceful; demure; refined in manner

Quiet, composed, and gentle in speech and movement. Traditionally used to praise women, so in modern usage it can sound old-fashioned or, said of someone acting out of character, faintly teasing.

おしとやかな人(ひと)ですね。

She is a graceful person, isn't she.

妹(いもうと)は人前(ひとまえ)ではおしとやかに振(ふ)る舞(ま)う。

My younger sister behaves demurely in front of others.

着物(きもの)を着(き)ると、いつもより少(すこ)しおしとやかな気分(きぶん)になる。

When I wear a kimono, I feel a little more demure than usual.

The polite prefix お attached to 淑(しと)やか; both forms exist, but おしとやか is the commoner one in speech and is written in kana.

Common collocations

おしとやかな女性(じょせい): a graceful woman
おしとやかに振(ふ)る舞(ま)う: to behave demurely
おしとやかにする: to act like a lady

Similar words

上品(じょうひん): refined, elegant — about taste and class, and applies to objects as well as people
控(ひか)えめ: modest, reserved — about holding back rather than about grace of manner
大人(おとな)しい: quiet, well-behaved — neutral about elegance, and freely used of men and children

Related Words

Related: 淑(しと)やか (graceful, demure)

Compare: 上品(じょうひん) (refined, elegant)

Compare: 控(ひか)えめ (modest, reserved)

Compare: 大人(おとな)しい (quiet, well-behaved)

Compare: しおらしい (meek)

general

Added 2026.7.31 15:19 · Revised 2026.9.30 23:12

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