How to say "demeanor" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 物腰ものごしCommon
    nounCovers the interpersonal sense of 'demeanor': the calm, gentle bearing a person shows when dealing with others, often in set phrases praising someone as mild-mannered or composed.
    A polite manner is characteristic of Japanese people.
  • 立ち居振る舞いたちいふるまいCommon
    nounRefers to a person's deportment as seen in the way they carry themselves — how they stand, move, and behave in public — making it a natural choice for observable, physical demeanor.
  • 口当たりくちあたりCommon
    nounAlthough glossed 'demeanor', this word literally concerns how food or drink feels in the mouth, or by extension how smoothly someone speaks. It is seldom the word you want for 'demeanor' generally.
  • 様子ようすJLPT N3approx.Common
    nounA broad word for a person's appearance, air, or manner at a given moment. Use it when 'demeanor' means the general look or atmosphere someone gives off rather than trained bearing.
    彼かれはどうしたら良よいのかわからない様子ようすだった。↗
    He looked uncertain what to do.
  • 動作どうさJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounPoints to behavior expressed through physical movements and actions. It suits 'demeanor' when the emphasis falls on a person's bodily carriage and observable behavior rather than overall manner.

Choose 物腰 for a person's calm bearing toward others, 「立ち居振る舞い」 for visible deportment and movements, 様子 for general appearance or manner, and 動作 for physical behaviour; 「口当たり」 rarely means demeanor and usually describes taste or manner of speaking.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android