じっと

• Reading: じっと
• Romaji: jitto
• Pronunciation: /dʑit.to/

Meaning

Still; motionlessly; patiently. Remaining in one position without moving.

An adverb used with する (じっとする — to stay still) or on its own to describe keeping motionless or staring fixedly. Has two main uses: physical stillness (じっと座る — to sit still) and intent gazing (じっと見る — to stare). Common in everyday conversation and descriptive writing.

Examples

1. 猫がじっと窓の外を見ていた。 The cat was staring motionlessly out the window.
2. 子供にじっとしていなさいと言った。 I told the child to stay still.
3. 痛みをじっと我慢した。 I endured the pain without moving.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, description, children

Tone: calm

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic (擬態語) word expressing stillness and concentration. Written with kanji as 凝乎と but almost always appears in hiragana in modern usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal