Japanese word

堂々

Pronunciation

Romajidōdō

Meaning

  • adverbconfidently

Example

私はみんなの前で堂々と話します。watashi wa mi n na no mae de dō dō to hana shi ma su

I speak confidently in front of everyone.

Illustration for 堂々 (confidently)

More examples

間違えても、彼は堂々と答えます。ma chiga e te mo kare wa dō dō to kota e ma su

Even when he makes a mistake, he answers confidently.

Core concept

Shows confidence openly and without hesitation, especially when facing other people.

Common phrases

  • 堂々と話すdō dō to hana su

    speak confidently

  • 堂々と振る舞うdō dō to fu ru ma u

    behave confidently

  • 堂々と歩くdō dō to aru ku

    walk confidently

Definition in Japanese

周囲の目を気にしてひるむことなく、立派に振る舞うさま。shū i no me o ki ni shi te hi ru mu ko to na ku rip pa ni fu ru ma u sa ma

Word origin

堂々 (dōdō) repeats 堂 (dō, "hall"), a Sino-Japanese character associated with a large or stately building, and its grand sense extended to an impressive, unashamed manner.

Usage tips

  • The adverb 堂々 (dōdō) is common in descriptions of public speaking and means confident rather than merely loud or forceful.

Other meanings

  • boldlyadverb

Opposites

  • おどおどodoodotimidlyadverb

Word lists with this word