Entry
まったり
mattari
まったり (mattari) means a rich, mellow flavor, or a laid-back and relaxed state of being.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main uses. When describing food or drinks, it refers to a taste that is rich, full-bodied, and mellow without being sharp or acidic. In modern everyday usage, it most commonly describes a state of chilling out, relaxing, or taking it easy without feeling rushed.
- Rich and mellow taste
- Relaxed or chilled-out state
Sense Map
Taste and Flavor
Describes food or drink that has a rich, deep, and smooth flavor without being harsh on the palate.
まったりとした味わい。
Atmosphere and Lifestyle
Describes a laid-back state where one takes their time to relax and chill.
部屋でまったりする。
Usage Note
How to Use
まったりする
Used as a verb meaning "to relax" or "to chill out".
まったりと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe doing something in a relaxed or unhurried manner.
まったりとした + noun
Used to describe a noun, such as a "mellow flavor" or a "relaxed time".
How to Use
Common Phrases
まったりする
to relax / chill out
まったり過ごす
to spend time relaxing
まったりとした味
rich and mellow flavor
家でまったりする
to chill at home
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Drink | positive | Describes a creamy, deep, and smooth flavor. |
| Leisure Time | positive | Indicates taking a break and intentionally chilling out. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ゆったり ゆったり / nearby | Use when emphasizing physical spaciousness, loose clothing, or a calm, pressure-free pace. | Cannot be used to describe the flavor of food. | ゆったりと座る。 |
こってり こってり / contrast | Use for food that is extremely thick, heavy, and greasy (like rich ramen broth). | まったり is rich but smooth and mellow, whereas こってり emphasizes heavy fat content or strong greasiness. | こってりしたスープ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using まったり to describe greasy, heavy fried food.
Use こってり (kotteri) for heavy, greasy food. まったり is for something rich but smooth on the tongue, like cream cheese.
Assuming まったり implies laziness or negative slacking.
It has a positive nuance of intentionally taking a break and enjoying a "chill" time, not negative laziness.
Examples
Examples
週末は家でまったり過ごした。
しゅうまつはいえでまったりすごした。
I spent the weekend chilling at home.
FigurativeDescribing a leisurely and relaxed weekend.
カフェでコーヒーを飲みながらまったりする。
カフェでコーヒーをのみながらまったりする。
Chilling at a cafe while drinking coffee.
FigurativeA typical activity for taking it easy and enjoying the atmosphere.
このスープはまったりとしたコクがある。
このスープはまったりとしたコクがある。
This soup has a rich, mellow depth of flavor.
LiteralUsing the original meaning to describe a rich but smooth taste.
猫が日向でまったりしている。
ねこがひなたでまったりしている。
The cat is relaxing comfortably in the sun.
FigurativeIllustrating the peaceful, unhurried vibe of a pet resting.
たまには温泉でまったりしたい。
たまにはおんせんでまったりしたい。
Once in a while, I want to chill out at a hot spring.
FigurativeExpressing a desire to escape the daily grind and take it easy.
Similar Words
ゆったり
yuttari
ゆったり means having ample space, time, or emotional room, resulting in a relaxed, comfortable, and unhurried state. Focuses more on physical spaciousness, loose clothing, or a calm pace.
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure.
こってり
kotteri
Describes a rich, heavy, or thick consistency, as well as an intense action like a severe scolding. For heavy, greasy, or extremely thick food.
Questions
Is まったり (mattari) appropriate for formal business situations?
Not really. The "chilling out" meaning is quite casual. In formal contexts, use リラックスする (rirakkusu suru) or くつろぐ (kutsurogu) instead.
What is the difference between まったり and のんびり (nonbiri)?
Both mean relaxed. However, まったり often implies sitting still and soaking in a comfortable atmosphere (like sipping tea on a sofa), while のんびり refers more broadly to a carefree lifestyle or moving at a slow pace.
Why is food described as まったり?
That is its original traditional meaning, referring to a flavor that spreads slowly and thickly in the mouth without harsh acidity or sharpness.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2038220
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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