Japanese word

改まる

Pronunciation

Romajiaratamaru

Meaning

  • verbbecome formal

Example

先生の前では話し方が改まります。sen sei no mae de wa hana shi kata ga arata ma ri ma su

The way I speak becomes formal in front of my teacher.

Illustration for 改まる (become formal)

More examples

式典の会場に入ると、自然に気持ちが改まります。shiki ten no kai jō ni hai ru to shi zen ni ki mo chi ga arata ma ri ma su

When I enter the ceremony hall, I naturally become more solemn.

Core concept

It describes ordinary speech or conduct taking on the careful, respectful tone expected in a formal setting.

Common phrases

  • 口調が改まるku chō ga arata ma ru

    one's tone becomes formal

  • 改まった場arata ma tta ba

    a formal setting

  • 話し方が改まるhana shi kata ga arata ma ru

    one's way of speaking becomes formal

Similar words

かしこまるkashikomaru: To adopt a very respectful and restrained manner.
格式ばるkakushikibaru: To become stiff and overly formal in manner or style.

Definition in Japanese

態度や話し方などが、くだけた状態から正式で礼儀正しい状態になること。tai do ya hana shi kata na do ga ku da ke ta jō tai ka ra sei shiki de rei gi tada shi i jō tai ni na ru ko to

Word origin

The native verb 改まる (aratamaru, "to become formal") corresponds to 改む (aratamu, "to correct or renew"), extending the idea of being put right to a person's manner or speech.

Usage tips

  • In everyday descriptions, 改まった (aratamatta) can indicate a deliberate change from a relaxed tone to a more formal one.

Other meanings

  • be renewedverb

Opposites

  • くだけるkudakerubecome casualverb

Related words

  • 改まりaratamariformalitynoun

Word lists with this word