Entry
しらっと
shiratto
Shiratto describes an attitude of feigning ignorance, acting completely unfazed, or showing a deadpan reaction when an emotional response is expected.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
It is often used to describe someone playing innocent as if nothing happened after making a mistake. It can also describe a cold, dispassionate response to a surprising or tense situation, highlighting a lack of expected concern.
- feigning innocence or playing dumb
- deadpan or apathetic reaction
Sense Map
Feigning ignorance
Acting innocent or completely unfazed despite being at fault or hiding a secret.
しらっと嘘をつく。
Deadpan and cold
Reacting with apathy or no emotion in a situation that usually warrants one.
しらっと無視する。
Usage Note
How to Use
しらっと + verb
Doing an action with a straight face, feigned innocence, or unnatural coldness.
しらっとしている
Being in a state of acting unfazed or unapologetically playing dumb.
How to Use
Common Phrases
しらっと嘘をつく
tell a lie with a straight face
しらっと言う
say in a deadpan or innocent manner
しらっと無視する
coldly ignore
しらっとしている
acting unfazed or playing innocent
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Feigning innocence after a mistake | Negative | Highlights shamelessly unapologetic behavior. |
| Cold or deadpan response | Neutral to Negative | Highlights a surprising lack of expected emotional engagement. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さらっと さらっと / contrast | When doing something lightly, smoothly, or casually without overthinking. | Does not imply hiding guilt, feigning ignorance, or being unnaturally cold like shiratto does. | さらっと答える。 |
しれっと しれっと / similar | When acting unfazed or feigning ignorance without showing guilt. | Almost identical to shiratto, and often used interchangeably. | しれっと嘘をつく。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Confusing it with saratto.
Use saratto for doing something smoothly or casually in a positive way. Use shiratto when someone is hiding guilt or acting unnaturally deadpan.
Using it to praise someone for staying calm under pressure.
Shiratto implies a lack of expected emotion or empathy, making it sound accusatory or critical rather than complimentary.
Examples
Examples
彼は自分がミスをしたのに、しらっとしている。
かれはじぶんがミスをしたのに、しらっとしている。
Even though he made a mistake, he's acting completely unfazed.
FigurativeDescribes someone playing innocent without any sense of guilt.
彼女は嘘がバレた時も、しらっと言い訳を続けた。
かのじょはうそがバレたときも、しらっといいわけをつづけた。
Even when her lie was exposed, she continued her excuses with a straight face.
FigurativeShows a shameless lack of embarrassment when caught lying.
冗談を言ったのに、みんなにしらっと無視された。
じょうだんをいったのに、みんなにしらっとむしされた。
Even though I told a joke, everyone coldly ignored it.
FigurativeDescribes a completely deadpan response with no laughter.
彼は難しい質問に対しても、しらっと答えた。
かれはむずかしいしつもんにたいしても、しらっとこたえた。
He answered the difficult question in a deadpan manner.
LiteralShows that he answered without appearing panicked or emotional.
その猫は花瓶を落とした後、しらっと通り過ぎた。
そのねこはかびんをおとしたあと、しらっととおりすぎた。
After dropping the vase, the cat walked past as if nothing happened.
VisualA pet acting unapologetically after causing a mess.
Similar Words
しれっと
shiretto
Acting completely calm or as if nothing happened, usually after making a mistake or doing something cheeky. Almost identical to shiratto and can be used interchangeably.
さらっと
saratto
さらっと (saratto) means doing something smoothly and effortlessly without hesitation, or describes a light, smooth, non-sticky texture or taste. Means to do something lightly and positively, without hiding any guilt.
Questions
Is shiratto the same as shiretto?
Yes, they are almost identical in meaning. Shiretto is also very common for describing someone acting like nothing happened.
Can I use it to say someone is cool under pressure?
No, it makes them sound unnaturally apathetic or lacking empathy. Use reisei for positive calmness.
Is this used in formal writing?
No, it is a colloquial expression. In formal business contexts, heizen to is preferred.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2723080
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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