Entry
のんどり
nondori
Nondori describes a state of being completely relaxed, taking things easy, or doing something at a leisurely pace.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a peaceful, stress-free atmosphere or lifestyle. It shares its meaning and a similar phonetic structure with the much more common word 'nonbiri', but 'nondori' is considered rare and is not typically used in everyday speech.
- Spending time leisurely
- Tranquil lifestyle
Sense Map
Relaxation
The state of spending free time calmly without thinking about work or obligations.
休日はのんどりしている。
Lifestyle & Atmosphere
A way of living or an environment that is free from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
田舎でのんどり暮らす。
Usage Note
How to Use
のんどりする
Used as a verb meaning 'to relax' or 'to take it easy'.
のんどりと + verb
Functions as an adverb describing an action done in a leisurely, unhurried manner (like walking or spending time).
のんどり + verb
Similar to the 'to' pattern, it attaches directly to a verb to show a tranquil approach.
How to Use
Common Phrases
のんどりする
to relax / take it easy
のんどりと過ごす
to spend time leisurely
のんどり暮らす
to live tranquilly
のんどり休む
to rest peacefully
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Enjoying free time | Positive | Gives an impression of peace and having no urgent matters to attend to. |
| Countryside or nature | Positive | Perfectly fits the description of a quiet place far away from urban pressure. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のんびり のんびり / similar | Use this in almost all everyday situations when you want to say 'relax' or 'take it easy'. | There is no significant difference in meaning from 'nondori', but 'nonbiri' is the modern standard and sounds perfectly natural. | のんびりとお風呂に入る。 |
ゆっくり ゆっくり / similar | Use when the focus is on a slow speed (not rushing) or taking ample time to do something. | 'Yukkuri' can be used for physical speed (like a car driving slowly), whereas 'nondori' is strictly for mood and relaxed states. | ゆっくりと立ち上がる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Actively using 'nondori' in daily conversation.
Japanese people rarely use this word. Always default to 'nonbiri' when talking to friends or colleagues about relaxing.
Using it to describe the slow physical speed of a vehicle.
Use 'yukkuri' (ゆっくり) or 'osoi' (遅い) for physical speed. 'Nondori' is for mental relaxation or lifestyle.
Examples
Examples
縁側でお茶を飲みながら、のんどりと過ごす。
えんがわでおちゃをのみながら、のんどりとすごす。
Spending time leisurely while drinking tea on the veranda.
LiteralDescribes a very peaceful mood while relaxing.
休日は家で一日中のんどりしている。
きゅうじつはいえでいちにちじゅうのんどりしている。
I'm relaxing at home all day on my day off.
LiteralAn example of direct usage as a verb.
猫が日向でのんどり眠っている。
ねこがひなたでのんどりねむっている。
The cat is sleeping peacefully in the sun.
VisualDescribes the visual appearance of an animal that looks completely unworried.
老後は田舎でのんどり暮らしたい。
ろうごはいなかでのんどりくらしたい。
I want to live a tranquil life in the country after retirement.
FigurativeUsed to describe a stress-free lifestyle over the long term.
波の音を聞きながら、のんどりと散歩する。
なみのおとをききながら、のんどりとさんぽする。
Taking a leisurely walk while listening to the sound of the waves.
LiteralShows walking without a rush to enjoy the atmosphere.
Similar Words
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure. A direct synonym of 'nondori' that is far more commonly used in daily life.
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. Indicates something slow or unhurried. Unlike nondori, this can be used for physical speed.
Questions
What is the difference between nondori and nonbiri?
The meaning is exactly the same (relaxed, tranquil), but 'nondori' is very rarely used. 'Nonbiri' is the standard word you should use every day.
Can I say 'the train is moving nondori'?
No. For slow physical speed, use 'yukkuri'. Nondori is used for the relaxed atmosphere of humans or animals.
Does this word sound old-fashioned?
It sounds more like a rare variant rather than strictly archaic. Listeners will understand you because of its similarity to 'nonbiri', but it will stand out as unusual.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1930010
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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