Entry
おちおち
ochiochi
A state of calm or peace, almost always used in the negative to express the inability to do something peacefully.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Expresses a state of calm, quiet, or comfort. In modern Japanese, it is almost exclusively used with negative verbs to indicate that one cannot do a basic action—like sleeping, eating, or resting—in peace due to external distractions, stress, or anxiety.
- Unable to sleep in peace due to noise
- Unable to relax because of anxiety
- Unable to sit idle when action is needed
Sense Map
Unable to rest or sleep
Used with verbs like sleeping or resting to indicate an inability to relax due to worry or noise.
おちおち寝てもいられない。
Unable to do basic tasks
Used with verbs like eating or reading to show disruption by stress or surroundings.
おちおちご飯も食べられない。
Usage Note
How to Use
おちおち + negative verb
The most common usage, expressing that the action cannot be done peacefully.
おちおち〜て（も）いられない
Means 'cannot even afford to be doing X in peace', often used when one must hurry or is too worried.
How to Use
Common Phrases
おちおち寝られない
cannot sleep in peace
おちおち休めない
cannot rest in peace
おちおちしていられない
cannot afford to be idle / cannot sit back
おちおち食事もできない
cannot even eat in peace
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping or resting | frustrated | Expresses annoyance that noise or worry prevents rest. |
| Busy or competitive situations | urgent | Used as 'おちおちしていられない' to show that one cannot afford to be idle or complacent. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のんびり のんびり / contrast | Used for spending time in a relaxed, carefree manner (usually positive). | 'Ochiochi' focuses on the inability to relax due to disruptions, while 'nonbiri' describes the actual state of being relaxed. | のんびり過ごす |
すやすや すやすや / contrast | Used to describe someone (often a baby or child) sleeping peacefully and quietly. | 'Suyasuya' visually describes the act of sleeping peacefully, whereas 'ochiochi' is used negatively to say one cannot sleep in peace. | すやすや眠る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it in an affirmative sentence, such as 'おちおち寝た' (I slept peacefully).
In modern Japanese, it is almost exclusively used with negative verbs. You should say 'おちおち寝られない' (I cannot sleep in peace).
Confusing it with 'ゆっくり' (slowly/leisurely) for positive actions.
'Ochiochi' describes peace of mind being disrupted, not the speed of an action. It cannot replace 'ゆっくり' in positive requests like 'ゆっくり休んで' (Please rest well).
Examples
Examples
隣の部屋がうるさくて、おちおち寝てもいられない。
となりのへやがうるさくて、おちおちねてもいられない。
The next room is noisy, so I can't even sleep in peace.
LiteralShows the most common usage, where sleep is disturbed by external noise.
明日までにこの仕事を終わらせなければならないので、おちおち休めない。
あしたまでにこのしごとをおわらせなければならないので、おちおちやすめない。
I have to finish this work by tomorrow, so I can't rest in peace.
LiteralShows an inability to relax due to the pressure of tasks or a deadline.
ライバル会社が新しい製品を出したので、おちおちしていられない。
ライバルがいしゃがあたらしいせいひんをだしたので、おちおちしていられない。
Our rival company released a new product, so we can't afford to just sit around.
FigurativeUsed as the common idiom 'ochiochi shite irarenai', meaning 'cannot afford to be idle'.
子犬がいたずらばかりするので、おちおち本も読めない。
こいぬがいたずらばかりするので、おちおちほんもよめない。
The puppy keeps doing mischief, so I can't even read a book in peace.
LiteralShows an inability to concentrate on a relaxing hobby due to distractions.
こんなに心配なニュースばかりでは、おちおち食事もできない。
こんなにしんぱいなニュースばかりでは、おちおちしょくじもできない。
With all this worrying news, I can't even eat in peace.
LiteralShows how psychological anxiety prevents the enjoyment of a basic daily activity.
Similar Words
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure. Used for positive, relaxed situations without pressure.
すやすや
suyasuya
すやすや (suyasuya) describes the appearance of someone or something sleeping very peacefully and soundly. Specifically describes deep, peaceful sleeping.
Questions
Can I use 'ochiochi' without a negative verb?
Very rarely in modern Japanese. It is almost a set phrase with negatives.
What kind of verbs go with 'ochiochi'?
Verbs related to resting, sleeping, eating, or being idle (e.g., nerarenai, yasumenai).
Is 'ochiochi' formal or informal?
It is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1775720
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
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- Active language
- English
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