Japanese word

円滑

Pronunciation

Romajienkatsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectivesmooth

Example

会議は円滑に進んでいます。kai gi wa en katsu ni susu n de i ma su

The meeting is proceeding smoothly.

Illustration for 円滑 (smooth)

More examples

複数の部署が協力し、作業は円滑に進みました。fuku sū no bu sho ga kyō ryoku shi sa gyō wa en katsu ni susu mi ma shi ta

With several departments working together, the work proceeded smoothly.

Core concept

Expresses a state in which progress remains steady because obstacles and friction are absent.

Common phrases

  • 円滑な運営en katsu na un ei

    smooth operation

  • 円滑に進むen katsu ni susu mu

    proceed smoothly

  • 円滑な意思疎通en katsu na i shi so tsū

    smooth communication

Similar words

順調junchō: Proceeding as planned and developing well without serious problems.
円満enman: Maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict in relationships, discussions, or agreements.

Definition in Japanese

物事の進行や人間関係に障害がなく、順調で調和しているさま。mono goto no shin kō ya nin gen kan kei ni shō gai ga na ku jun chō de chō wa shi te i ru sa ma

Word origin

円 (en, "round") and 滑 (katsu, "smooth") form a Sino-Japanese compound whose parts suggest an even, unobstructed course.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 円滑 (enkatsu) is frequently used with terms for operations, cooperation, and communication rather than in casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • harmoniousna-adjective

Opposites

  • 難航nankōrough goingnoun

Related words

  • 円滑化enkatsukastreamliningnoun
  • 円滑さenkatsusasmoothnessnoun

Word lists with this word