Japanese Conversation · Level 111
60 words
Japanese word
淡々
Pronunciation
Romajitantan
Meaning
- adverbmatter-of-factly
Example
彼は淡々と事実を話します。kare wa tan tan to ji jitsu o hana shi ma su
He speaks about the facts matter-of-factly.
More examples
彼女は難しい質問にも淡々と答えます。kano jo wa muzuka shi i shitsu mon ni mo tan tan to kota e ma su
She answers even difficult questions matter-of-factly.
Core concept
Describes a calm and direct manner that keeps emotional reactions and personal coloring in the background.
Common phrases
淡々と話すtan tan to hana su
speak matter-of-factly
淡々と答えるtan tan to kota e ru
answer matter-of-factly
淡々と語るtan tan to kata ru
relate matter-of-factly
Similar words
あっさりassari: In a simple and unelaborate way, without dwelling on feelings or details.
さらりとsararito: In a light and smooth manner that gives little sign of emotional weight.
Definition in Japanese
感情をあらわにせず、物事を落ち着いて簡潔に進めるさま。kan jō o a ra wa ni se zu mono goto o o chi tsu i te kan ketsu ni susu me ru sa ma
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese form 淡々 (tantan, "light and plain") uses the repeated character 淡 (tan, "light") to convey a plain and even manner.
Usage tips
- 淡々と (tantan to) is often used for speech or behavior that remains calm and even when the subject could normally provoke a strong reaction.
Other meanings
- dispassionatelyadverb
- detachedlyadverb
Opposites
- 感情的kanjōtekiemotionalna-adjective