そっと

• Reading: そっと
• Romaji: sotto
• Pronunciation: /sot.to/

Meaning

Softly; gently; quietly. Describes doing something with care so as not to be noticed or to disturb.

An adverb describing careful, quiet actions — tiptoeing, whispering, touching lightly, or leaving someone undisturbed. Often paired with verbs of motion or touch: そっと触る (touch gently), そっとドアを閉める (close the door quietly). Can also mean 'to leave alone': そっとしておく (leave someone be). Conveys tenderness or discretion.

Examples

1. 赤ちゃんが寝ているのでそっとドアを閉めた。 The baby was sleeping, so I closed the door quietly.
2. 彼女はそっと彼の手を握った。 She gently took his hand.
3. 疲れているみたいだからそっとしておこう。 He seems tired, so let's just leave him be.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, narrative, literature

Tone: gentle

Origin & History

A mimetic adverb conveying the quality of quiet, careful movement. The soft そ sound mirrors the hushed, delicate nature of the action.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal