Japanese word

悠々

Pronunciation

Romajiyūyū

Meaning

  • adverbcalmly

Example

質問に悠々と答えます。shitsu mon ni yū yū to kota e ma su

I answer the question calmly.

Illustration for 悠々 (calmly)

More examples

試験前でも、彼女は悠々と構えています。shi ken mae de mo kano jo wa yū yū to kama e te i ma su

Even before the exam, she remains completely composed.

Core concept

It conveys moving through an action calmly and easily, as though no pressure or obstacle requires haste.

Common phrases

  • 悠々と答えるyū yū to kota e ru

    answer calmly

  • 悠々と泳ぐyū yū to oyo gu

    swim leisurely

  • 悠々と進むyū yū to susu mu

    proceed at an easy pace

Similar words

悠然yūzen: In a calm and unhurried manner, showing ease and composure.
泰然taizen: In a calm and composed manner, staying steady when difficulties arise.
ゆったりyuttari: In a relaxed and unhurried manner, without pressure to move quickly.

Definition in Japanese

落ち着いて、ゆとりのある気持ちで物事を行うさま。o chi tsu i te yu to ri no a ru ki mo chi de mono goto o okona u sa ma

Word origin

悠々 (yūyū) consists of the repeated Sino-Japanese character 悠 (yū, "distant and leisurely"), whose repetition emphasizes a continuing state of ease.

Usage tips

  • 悠々 (yūyū) often describes an action that appears effortless and composed, so it can imply confidence rather than simple slowness.

Other meanings

  • leisurelyadverb
  • with easeadverb

Opposites

  • せかせかsekasekahurriedlyadverb
  • あくせくakusekubusilyadverb

Word lists with this word