Translation and Meaning of: 静か - shizuka

The Japanese word 静か[しずか] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "quiet" or "calm," but it carries nuances that go beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore the everyday use of this word, its origin, how it is perceived in Japan, and tips to memorize it effectively.

In addition to being frequently used in everyday conversations, 静か also appears in important expressions and cultural contexts. If you've ever watched anime or Japanese dramas, you've probably heard it in scenes that depict tranquility, introspection, or even suspense. Let's uncover these details so that you understand not only the meaning but also the essence of this word.

Meaning and usage of 静か in everyday life

静か is an adjective in the Japanese language that describes environments, people, or situations that are quiet or have a calm atmosphere. Unlike Portuguese, where "silencioso" and "calmo" can have distinct uses, in Japanese the same word encompasses both concepts. For example, a library can be described as 静か, as can a reserved person.

In conversations, it is common to hear phrases like "ここは静かですね" (It's quiet here, isn't it?). This type of expression reveals how the term is linked to the perception of harmony and peace, values that are deeply rooted in Japanese society. It is worth noting that, in certain contexts, 静か can also convey a sense of emptiness or loneliness, depending on the tone and situation.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 静か is composed of the kanji 静, which means "quiet" or "peaceful," followed by the suffix か, which transforms the root into an adjectival form. The kanji 静, in turn, is formed by the radicals 青 (blue/green) and 争 (dispute), suggesting an idea of "calming a dispute" or "finding peace." This composition reflects well the current meaning of the word.

It is interesting to note that, although 静か is the most common way to write this word, in some literary or poetic contexts, the kanji may appear alone with different readings. However, for Japanese students, focusing on the form しずか is the most recommended, as it covers the vast majority of everyday and formal uses.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to fix 静か in your memory is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of places like Japanese temples, zen gardens, or even your own home during the early hours of the morning. These images help create strong mental connections between the word and its meaning. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences like "夜は静かです" (The night is quiet).

Culturally, 静か is linked to the concept of "ma" (間), which represents the intervals and pauses in music, speech, and even in Japanese architecture. This appreciation of silence as an active element, rather than just the absence of sound, explains why the word carries such significant weight in the language. In tea ceremonies, for example, quietude is an essential part of the experience.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

穏やか (odayaka) - Calm, serene; it often refers to a peaceful and pleasant state.
静穏 (sei-on) - Quiet silence; implies a deep calm, often used in natural contexts.
平静 (heisei) - Inner calm; it refers to a state of mental tranquility, free from agitation.
静けさ (shizukesa) - Tranquility; a description of the state of being silent and peaceful.
静寂 (seijaku) - Deep silence; a stillness so intense that it can be considered almost reverent.
静謐 (seihi) - Serene silence; a state of peace and calm that conveys a feeling of safety.

Related words

安静

ansei

Rest

呑気

nonki

Carefree; optimistic; careless; reckless; without attention

長閑

nodoka

quiet; calm; still

流れる

nagareru

to transmit; Flow; run (ink); be washed

瞑る

tsuburu

To close your eyes

そっと

soto

gently; secretly

静的

seiteki

static

じっと

jito

fixedly; tightly; patiently; silently

静まる

shizumaru

loose the temper; calm down; to decrease; to die; to decrease; be suppressed

大人しい

otonashii

obedient; docile; calm

静か

Romaji: shizuka
Kana: しずか
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: still; Pacific

Meaning in English: quiet;peaceful

Definition: A state in which there is no sound or noise.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (静か) shizuka

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (静か) shizuka:

Example Sentences - (静か) shizuka

See below some example sentences:

深夜には静かな時間が流れる。

Shinya ni wa shizuka na jikan ga nagareru

during the dawn

Quiet time flows late at night.

深夜には - à noite tardia
静かな - calm
時間が - time
流れる - flow

控室には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Kōshitsu ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

In the waiting room

There is a calming atmosphere in the waiting room.

控室 (koushitsu) - waiting room or control room
には (ni wa) - indicates the location of the phrase, in this case "in the control room"
静かな (shizukana) - calm or quiet
雰囲気 (fun'iki) - atmosphere or climate
が (ga) - subject particle
漂っている (tadayotteiru) - floating or hovering

夜中には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Yonaka ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

During the night

There is a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the night.

夜中には - "midnight"
静かな - adjective meaning "silent"
雰囲気が - noun that means "atmosphere" or "environment," followed by the particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
漂っている - verb that means "to float" or "to hover," conjugated in the present continuous

静かにしてください。

Shizuka ni shite kudasai

Please be quiet.

静かに - "Silently"
して - "fazer"
ください - "Please"

夜は静かです。

Yoru wa shizuka desu

The night is quiet.

夜 - It means "night" in Japanese.
は - It is a topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "night".
静か - means "quiet" or "calm" in Japanese.
です - It is a polite way of saying "is" or "are" in Japanese.

夕暮れが静かで美しいです。

Yuugure ga shizuka de utsukushii desu

The sunset is quiet and beautiful.

The twilight is quiet and beautiful.

夕暮れ (yūgure) - means "twilight" or "sunset"
が (ga) - grammatical particle that marks the subject of the sentence
静か (shizuka) - means "silent" or "calm"
で (de) - grammatical particle that indicates the condition or means in which something occurs
美しい (utsukushii) - means "handsome" or "beautiful"
です (desu) - an educated and polite way to affirm something in Japanese