Kana Kanji

Learn Kanji

A Beautiful Guide to Advanced Japanese

Lesson 6: 静 (Quiet / Calm)

Radicals in 静

The kanji 静 (shizu, meaning "quiet" or "calm") is a character that beautifully conveys stillness and peace. It is traditionally classified under the 青 (blue/green) radical, which ties it to natural tranquility.

  • 青 (Blue/Green Radical): The left part, Radical 174, means "blue" or "green," evoking the calm of a clear sky or lush forest.
  • 争 (Conflict Radical): The right part, Radical 87 (爪, claw, combined with other elements), means "to dispute" or "struggle," suggesting a contrast or resolution into peace.

Visually, 静 juxtaposes the serene blue/green (青) with the idea of conflict (争), implying a state of calm achieved after struggle—a poetic representation of quietness as a resolved harmony. Fun fact: Its components hint at stillness emerging from chaos, like a forest quieting after a storm.

Examples of 静 in Use

Here are some common words and phrases using 静:

静か (shizuka)

Meaning: Quiet / Peaceful

Hiragana: しずか

Example: 部屋が静かだ。
(Heya ga shizuka da.)
"The room is quiet."

安静 (ansei)

Meaning: Rest / Repose

Hiragana: あんせい

Example: 安静にしてください。
(Ansei ni shite kudasai.)
"Please rest."

静寂 (seijaku)

Meaning: Silence / Stillness

Hiragana: せいじゃく

Example: 静寂が広がる。
(Seijaku ga hirogaru.)
"Silence spreads."

平静 (heisei)

Meaning: Calmness / Composure

Hiragana: へいせい

Example: 平静を保つ。
(Heisei o tamotsu.)
"I maintain my composure."

静止 (seishi)

Meaning: Stillness / Standstill

Hiragana: せいし

Example: 時間が静止した。
(Jikan ga seishi shita.)
"Time stood still."

静観 (seikan)

Meaning: Quiet observation

Hiragana: せいかん

Example: 事態を静観する。
(Jitai o seikan suru.)
"I quietly observe the situation."

静謐 (seihitsu)

Meaning: Serenity / Tranquility

Hiragana: せいひつ

Example: 静謐な夜だ。
(Seihitsu na yoru da.)
"It’s a serene night."

静養 (seiyō)

Meaning: Recuperation / Quiet rest

Hiragana: せいよう

Example: 静養が必要だ。
(Seiyō ga hitsuyō da.)
"You need to recuperate."

静穏 (sei’on)

Meaning: Peace / Calm

Hiragana: せいおん

Example: 静穏な暮らし。
(Sei’on na kurashi.)
"A peaceful life."

静思 (seishi)

Meaning: Quiet contemplation

Hiragana: せいし

Example: 静思の時間だ。
(Seishi no jikan da.)
"It’s time for quiet contemplation."

The kanji 静 captures the essence of tranquility and stillness, reflecting a peaceful resolution of tension and a return to calm.