Japanese word

何気ない

Pronunciation

Romajinanigenai

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveoffhand

Example

先生の何気ない一言が心に残りました。sen sei no nani ge na i hito koto ga kokoro ni noko ri ma shi ta

The teacher's offhand remark stayed with me.

Illustration for 何気ない (offhand)

More examples

彼女の何気ない笑顔が、場の緊張を和らげました。kano jo no nani ge na i e gao ga ba no kin chō o yawa ra ge ma shi ta

Her casual smile eased the tension in the room.

Core concept

Describes something said or done naturally, without deliberate thought or a special intention, so it appears casual.

Common phrases

  • 何気ない一言nani ge na i hito koto

    an offhand remark

  • 何気ない質問nani ge na i shitsu mon

    a casual question

Similar words

さりげないsarigenai: Describes an action or remark that appears natural and unforced, without drawing attention to itself.

Definition in Japanese

特別な意図や深い考えを持たず、さりげないさま。toku betsu na i to ya fuka i kanga e o mo ta zu sa ri ge na i sa ma

Word origin

何気ない (nanigenai) combines 何気 (nanige, "particular thought or intention") with ない (nai, "without"), giving the sense of lacking a deliberate intention.

Usage tips

  • 何気ない一言 (nanigenai hitokoto) often describes a casual remark that leaves a lasting impression beyond what the speaker intended.

Other meanings

  • casuali-adjective
  • unconcernedi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 何気なさnangenasacasualnessnoun

Word lists with this word