How to say "dignified" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 重々しいおもおもしいCommon
    i-adjectiveCovers 'dignified' as grave and weighty: a person whose manner, speech, or movements are solemn, heavy, and unhurried. It stresses gravity and weight more than grace.
    彼かれは群衆ぐんしゅうに向むかって重々おもおもしく話はなしかけた。↗
    He addressed the crowd gravely.
  • 堂々どうどうJLPT N1approx.Common
    taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Covers 'dignified' as grand and imposing presence: carrying oneself with confidence and poise, impressively and without embarrassment. Often describes a stance, attitude, or way of speaking.
    その老人ろうじんは堂々どうどうとした顔かおつきをしていた。↗
    The old man had a noble countenance.
  • 重厚じゅうこうCommon
    na-adjective, nounGlossed as profound, deep, grave, and solid, it describes a weighty, substantial quality of appearance, style, or atmosphere rather than personal dignity. For 'dignified' it is seldom the word you want.
  • 厳かおごそかJLPT N1approx.Common
    na-adjective, nounCovers 'dignified' as solemn and majestic: the austere, awe-inspiring quality of ceremonies, rituals, places, and atmospheres. It is used chiefly of settings and occasions rather than of a person's bearing.
    結婚けっこん生活せいかつがうまく行いっていない方ほうは結婚式けっこんしきの時ときにおごそかに神かみの前まえに誓ちかった、夫婦ふうふの誓約せいやくを思い出おもいだしてみましょう。↗
    And to the people whose married life is not going well, let's remember the marriage covenant sworn solemnly before God at the wedding ceremony.
  • 高貴こうきCommon
    na-adjective, nounCovers 'dignified' as noble and refined: dignity that comes of high birth or exalted character, an aristocratic elegance. Use it for someone of noble standing or a refined, elevated quality.

Choose 「重々しい」 for a weighty, grave manner, 堂々 for grand, confident presence, 「厳か」 for solemn ceremonies and atmospheres, and 高貴 for noble refinement; 重厚 chiefly means solid or profound, not dignified.

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

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

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