Entry
じっと
jitto
Jitto (じっと) means keeping the body completely still, fixing one's attention unblinkingly on something, or patiently enduring a situation without reacting.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a continuous state of physical immobility, concentrated psychological focus (like staring or listening intently), or enduring pain and emotion silently. It is often used to express a fixed gaze, staying quiet, or being patient.
- completely still
- staring fixedly
- listening intently
- enduring patiently
Sense Map
Motionless
Keeping one's posture completely still without making the slightest movement.
じっとしている
Fixed gaze
Focusing one's eyes on a single point continuously without looking away.
じっと見つめる
Patient endurance
Enduring pain, emotion, or difficult situations without showing any reaction or complaint.
痛みをじっと堪える
Usage Note
How to Use
じっと + verb
Used directly before a verb to describe that the action is done continuously, fixedly, or with self-restraint.
じっとしている
A set phrase meaning 'to stay still' or 'not moving at all'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
じっと見る
to stare fixedly
じっと待つ
to wait patiently
じっと考える
to think deeply
じっと堪える
to endure stoically
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Posture | neutral | Indicates a physical state deliberately maintained so as not to move at all. |
| Gaze | neutral | Describes a sharp, continuous stare that can feel intense or intimidating depending on context. |
| Endurance | positive | Shows strong resolve in bearing pain or suffering silently. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ひっそり ひっそり / nearby | When an atmosphere or place is quiet, deserted, and unnoticeable. | Jitto focuses on a person's physical immobility or concentration, whereas hissori describes a quiet, unnoticeable environment or lifestyle. | ひっそりと暮らす |
しっかり しっかり / nearby | When doing something firmly, securely, and reliably. | Shikkari means doing something firmly or being reliable, whereas jitto means staying motionless or staring fixedly. | しっかり握る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for inanimate objects that are naturally still.
Jitto usually implies an effort or concentration to remain still, making it more suitable for humans or animals intentionally not moving.
Equating it with a 'calm' state of mind.
Jitto refers more to physical immobility, a focused stare, or the act of outward endurance rather than inner mental peace.
Examples
Examples
彼は私の顔をじっと見つめた。
かれ は わたし の かお を じっと みつめた。
He stared fixedly at my face.
VisualDescribes an intense, unblinking stare.
写真を撮るから、じっとしていてね。
しゃしん を とる から、 じっと して いて ね。
I'm going to take a picture, so stay still.
LiteralUsed as a request for someone not to move.
痛みをじっと堪えて、注射を受けた。
いたみ を じっと こらえて、 ちゅうしゃ を うけた。
I endured the pain patiently and got the injection.
FigurativeShows the attitude of bearing pain without complaining.
部屋の隅で犬がじっと座っている。
へや の すみ で いぬ が じっと すわって いる。
The dog is sitting completely still in the corner of the room.
LiteralDescribes an animal's posture remaining fixed in one place.
答えがわからず、腕を組んでじっと考えた。
こたえ が わからず、 うで を くんで じっと かんがえた。
Not knowing the answer, I crossed my arms and thought deeply.
FigurativeHigh mental focus that causes the body to become still.
Similar Words
ひっそり
hissori
ひっそり describes a quiet and still state due to the absence of people, or a modest, inconspicuous way of living. Indicates a quiet environment, unlike jitto which focuses on the subject's immobility.
しっかり
shikkari
Describes a state of being firm, secure, or doing something thoroughly and reliably. Means doing something firmly or reliably, not just staying still.
ぎゅっと
gyutto
The act of applying firm, concentrated pressure when squeezing, gripping, or hugging something.
ぐっと
gutto
Describes a sudden, forceful exertion or a significant jump in degree or emotional impact.
Questions
What is the difference between じっと (jitto) and じーっと (jiitto)?
じーっと (jiitto) is the emphatic form of じっと (jitto), giving the nuance that the duration is longer or the intensity (like a stare) is sharper.
Can jitto be used for listening?
Yes, it can be used with verbs for hearing, such as じっと耳を澄ます, to mean listening intently without moving.
Does jitto have a positive or negative nuance?
It can be both. It can be positive when meaning to endure patiently (じっと耐える), or neutral/intimidating when staring fixedly (じっと見つめる).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005870
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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