Entry
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.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a comfortable and expansive state. Physically, it refers to loose, non-restricting clothing or a spacious room. Mentally or temporally, it means being at peace, free from stress, and taking things easy without rushing.
- Physical spaciousness (loose clothes, wide rooms)
- Mental and temporal relaxation
- Calm and unhurried movement
Sense Map
Clothing & Space
Used to describe physical objects or environments that have extra room, such as loose-fitting clothes or spacious seating.
ゆったりした服を着る。
Time & Mind
Describes a mental state of feeling relaxed, peaceful, and having plenty of time without feeling rushed.
休日はゆったりと過ごす。
Movement & Flow
Describes something moving or flowing calmly, slowly, and without obstruction.
川がゆったりと流れる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゆったりする
Used as a verb to mean 'to relax' or 'to feel at ease'.
ゆったり（と）している
Describes an ongoing state of being spacious, loose, or relaxed.
ゆったり（と）した + Noun
Modifies a noun, such as 'loose clothing' or a 'relaxed schedule'.
ゆったり（と） + Verb
Describes doing an action in a relaxed or comfortable manner, like sitting comfortably.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゆったりした服
Loose-fitting clothes
ゆったりと過ごす
To spend time relaxedly
ゆったり座る
To sit comfortably/spaciously
ゆったりとした時間
A relaxing, unhurried time
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Objects | Positive | Indicates that the item is designed to be comfortable and not constricting. |
| Time & Schedules | Positive | Means having enough buffer time between activities so you don't feel stressed. |
| Feelings | Positive | Indicates a calm heart, tolerance, and distance from panic. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のんびり のんびり / nearby | When focusing on a carefree attitude, taking things at one's own pace, or a lack of urgent tasks. | ゆったり focuses on having 'room' or 'capacity' (both physical and mental), whereas のんびり is more about the subjective feeling of taking it easy. | のんびり歩く |
まったり まったり / nearby | When describing a lazy, cozy, laid-back atmosphere, often doing nothing in particular, or a rich, mild flavor. | まったり often implies a sluggish or deeply cozy relaxation, while ゆったり simply means being free from tightness or rush. | 部屋でまったりする |
ぶかぶか ぶかぶか / contrast | When clothing is excessively or comically oversized to the point of not fitting. | ゆったり is a positive description of a comfortable, intentional loose fit. ぶかぶか means it is too big and fits poorly. | ぶかぶかの靴 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ゆったり for clothes that are far too big because you bought the wrong size.
Use ぶかぶか (bukabuka) or だぶだぶ (dabudabu) for comically oversized clothes. ゆったり implies a comfortable, intentional design.
Using ゆったり to mean 'lazy'.
ゆったり describes a positive, peaceful comfort. For negative laziness or sluggishness, use だらだら (daradara).
Examples
Examples
飛行機に乗る時は、ゆったりした服を着るようにしています。
飛行機(ひこうき)に乗(の)る時(とき)は、ゆったりした服(ふく)を着(き)るようにしています。
When I take a flight, I make sure to wear loose-fitting clothes.
LiteralShows physical spaciousness in clothing.
温泉に入って、ゆったりとくつろぎました。
温泉(おんせん)に入(はい)って、ゆったりとくつろぎました。
I took a bath in the hot spring and relaxed comfortably.
FigurativeDescribes mental and physical relaxation.
このソファは大きくて、ゆったり座れます。
このソファは大(おお)きくて、ゆったり座(すわ)れます。
This sofa is large, so you can sit spaciously.
LiteralMeans there is enough physical space to sit without feeling cramped.
今日は予定がないので、ゆったりとした時間を楽しむ。
今日(きょう)は予定(よてい)がないので、ゆったりとした時間(じかん)を楽(たの)しむ。
Since I have no plans today, I will enjoy a relaxing, unhurried time.
FigurativeUsed to describe time that is free from the pressure of a schedule.
大きな川が、ゆったりと流れている。
大(おお)きな川(かわ)が、ゆったりと流(なが)れている。
A large river is flowing calmly and slowly.
VisualDescribes a slow, grand, and unhurried movement.
Similar Words
のんびり
nonbiri
A relaxed and peaceful state of being free from rush or mental pressure. のんびり focuses more on a carefree attitude without pressing obligations.
まったり
mattari
まったり (mattari) means a rich, mellow flavor, or a laid-back and relaxed state of being. まったり often implies lazy relaxation or a rich flavor.
ぶかぶか
bukabuka
Describes clothing, shoes, or accessories that are noticeably too large and loose-fitting on the wearer. Unlike the comfortable ゆったり, ぶかぶか means something is improperly oversized.
だぶだぶ
dabudabu
Describes clothing that is noticeably oversized, flabby flesh, or liquids pouring abundantly.
Questions
Can I use ゆったり for a room?
Yes, saying ゆったりした部屋 is very natural. It means the room is spacious and gives you a feeling of freedom.
What is the difference between ゆったりした服 and ぶかぶかの服?
ゆったりした服 means the clothes have a loose, comfortable fit by design. ぶかぶかの服 means the clothes are simply too big for the wearer.
Can I use ゆったり for work?
Yes, you can talk about a ゆったりしたスケジュール, which means a relaxed schedule with plenty of time and no rush.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2010000
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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