Entry
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes a comfortable feeling when one has plenty of time and feels no mental stress. It is often used to describe peaceful holidays, an easy-going personality, or a quiet environment away from the city's hustle.
- Spending leisure time quietly
- Easy-going and stress-free personality
- Peaceful environment or scenery
Sense Map
Time and Activity
Spending time without rushing and enjoying the moment of rest.
休日をのんびり過ごす。
Personality and Atmosphere
Describing a calm character or a place with a peaceful atmosphere.
のんびりした性格。
Usage Note
How to Use
のんびりする
Used as a verb to express the act of relaxing or taking it easy.
のんびりした + noun
Used to describe the calm nature of a person or the atmosphere of a place.
のんびりと + verb
Used to describe how an action is performed in a relaxed manner without time constraints.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のんびり過ごす
to spend time relaxedly
のんびり屋
an easy-going person
のんびり歩く
to walk leisurely
のんびり構える
to take a relaxed or unconcerned attitude
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Holidays or Recreation | positive | Indicates restoration and happiness because there is no pressure. |
| Urgent Situations | negative | Can be seen as insensitive or negligent if relaxing when others are rushing. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ゆっくり ゆっくり / nearby | Use when focusing on physical speed or needing more time to complete something. | Focuses on the speed of movement, whereas nonbiri focuses on peace of mind. | ゆっくり話す。 |
ゆったり ゆったり / nearby | Use for physical comfort due to spaciousness or loose clothing. | Focuses on physical spaciousness and a broad sense of ease. | ゆったりした服。 |
まったり まったり / nearby | Use for a rich taste in food or a deeper, more indulgent type of relaxation. | Often used as slang for chilling out for a long time without doing much. | 家でまったりする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using nonbiri for the slow speed of a car.
Use yukkuri. Nonbiri refers to a relaxed feeling, not just mechanical speed.
Assuming nonbiri always means lazy.
Nonbiri is positive. To express negative laziness, use daradara.
Examples
Examples
休日をのんびり過ごした。
きゅうじつをのんびりすごした。
I spent the holiday relaxedly.
LiteralThe most common usage for leisure time.
田舎ののんびりした風景が好きだ。
いなかののんびりしたふうけいがすきだ。
I like the peaceful landscape of the countryside.
VisualDescribes the atmosphere of a place that is not noisy.
そんなに焦らず、のんびり行こう。
そんなにあせらず、のんびりいこう。
Don't rush so much, let's take it easy.
FigurativeAdvice to not burden the mind with time targets.
彼はのんびりした性格で、誰からも好かれている。
かれはのんびりしたせいかくで、だれからもすかれている。
He has an easy-going personality and is liked by everyone.
FigurativeDescribes a character who is not easily angered or stressed.
温泉に入って、のんびりしたい。
おんせんにはいって、のんびりしたい。
I want to go into a hot spring and relax.
LiteralA typical Japanese context for total relaxation.
Similar Words
ゆっくり
yukkuri
ゆっくり describes taking one's time, moving without haste, or being in a state of comfortable relaxation. Focus on slow speed.
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. Focus on physical comfort or space.
まったり
mattari
まったり (mattari) means a rich, mellow flavor, or a laid-back and relaxed state of being. Focus on deep relaxation (slang).
のんどり
nondori
Nondori describes a state of being completely relaxed, taking things easy, or doing something at a leisurely pace.
Questions
What is the main difference between nonbiri and yukkuri?
Yukkuri means doing something slowly (speed), while nonbiri means doing it without mental burden (feeling).
Can I use nonbiri to praise someone?
Yes, calling someone a nonbiri-san or saying they have a nonbiri personality usually means they are calm and pleasant to talk to.
Can nonbiri be used in a work environment?
It can if it means working calmly and thoroughly without stress, but be careful not to sound like you aren't working hard.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010050
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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