Entry
おっとり
ottori
A calm, gentle, and unhurried personality or demeanor.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes someone who is placid, graceful, and not easily flustered. It carries a positive nuance, often implying elegance, an even temper, or someone who was raised in a peaceful environment.
- A calm and gentle personality
- An unhurried and graceful action
Sense Map
Calm personality
Used to describe an inherently calm, easygoing, and emotionally stable personality.
彼女はおっとりした性格だ。
Gentle action or demeanor
Describes performing an action gracefully and without haste.
おっとりと微笑む。
Usage Note
How to Use
おっとりしている
Used to describe the ongoing state of someone having a calm or placid personality.
おっとりした + noun
Used to modify a noun, typically someone's personality (seikaku) or a person (hito).
おっとりと + verb
Used to describe an action being performed gently or calmly, such as speaking or smiling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
おっとりした性格
calm and gentle personality
おっとりしている
is calm and composed (personality state)
おっとりした人
gentle, mild-mannered person
おっとりと構える
to remain calm and unflappable (especially in a crisis)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing someone's inherent personality | positive | Conveys that the person is elegant, composed, and possibly raised in a good, peaceful environment. |
| Handling a crisis or busy situation | positive | Shows that the person maintains their graceful composure and does not easily panic. |
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 when describing someone or a situation that is relaxed and free from stress or urgency. | 'nonbiri' focuses on being carefree or relaxing in a specific situation, while 'ottori' describes an inherently elegant, placid, and gentle nature. | のんびり過ごす |
そっと そっと / contrast | Use when doing something quietly, softly, or stealthily to avoid making noise. | 'sotto' is about physical quietness or caution in action, whereas 'ottori' describes a calm and unhurried demeanor or personality. | そっとドアを閉める |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Thinking 'ottori' just means 'slow' in a negative or incompetent way.
'Ottori' is a compliment highlighting grace and unhurried calmness, not a criticism of speed. For sluggishness, use 'noronoro'.
Using it to mean 'quiet volume' for objects or places.
Use 'shizuka' for quiet places. 'Ottori' is for the gentle demeanor of people.
Examples
Examples
彼女はおっとりした性格で、誰にでも優しい。
彼女(かのじょ)は[おっとり]した性格(せいかく)で、誰(だれ)にでも優(やさ)しい。
She has a calm personality and is kind to everyone.
LiteralDescribes an inherently peaceful and gentle nature.
いつもおっとりしている彼が、今日は少し焦っている。
いつも[おっとり]している彼(かれ)が、今日(きょう)は少(すこ)し焦(あせ)っている。
He, who is usually placid, is a little panicked today.
LiteralShows a contrast with his usually very relaxed true nature.
母はおっとりと微笑んだ。
母(はは)は[おっとり]と微笑(ほほえ)んだ。
My mother smiled gently.
VisualFocuses on a peaceful facial expression.
トラブルが起きても、彼はおっとりと構えている。
トラブルが起(お)きても、彼(かれ)は[おっとり]と構(かま)えている。
Even when trouble occurs, he remains composed.
FigurativeShows emotional stability in a crisis situation.
彼女の話し方はおっとりしていて、聞く人を安心させる。
彼女(かのじょ)の話(はな)し方(かた)は[おっとり]していて、聞(き)く人(ひと)を安心(あんしん)させる。
Her gentle way of speaking puts listeners at ease.
VisualRefers to a slow, soft, and elegant tone of voice.
Similar Words
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure. Both describe relaxation, but 'nonbiri' focuses on being carefree in the moment.
そっと
sotto
Describes an action performed very quietly, gently, or stealthily to avoid making noise, or leaving a person or situation as is. Focuses on physical stealth or caution to avoid making noise.
Questions
Is 'ottori' considered a compliment?
Yes, it is generally a highly positive word used to praise someone's peaceful, elegant, and unhurried nature.
Can 'ottori' be used to describe an animal?
Yes, it can be used for pets that have a particularly gentle, placid, and calm disposition.
Is it used to describe slow actions?
Only if the slowness is graceful and unhurried. It is not used to describe incompetence or frustrating sluggishness.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2021000
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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