泰然

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 泰然 is read as たいぜん and describes remaining calm, composed, and unperturbed even in a difficult or unexpected situation.
• Basic usage: A state appears in 泰然としている, while manner appears in 泰然と答える.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Common constructions
  • Use 泰然として for a composed state and 泰然と before a verb for an unruffled manner.
• Difference from 冷静
  • 冷静 broadly means cool-headed and rational; 泰然 stresses dignified composure that is not shaken by circumstances.