泰然自若

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 泰然自若, read たいぜんじじゃく, is a four-character expression for remaining calm, composed, and unruffled.
• Basic usage: 泰然自若として答える describes how someone answers; 泰然自若そのものだ equates an attitude with perfect composure.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Adverbial として and nominal judgment
  • として turns the expression into a manner phrase, while そのものだ treats it as the defining quality of the attitude.