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安堵する

B1 verb #4,500 most common 9 min read

安堵する

ando suru Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 安堵する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 安堵する in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Ando suru' might be a bit difficult because it is a formal word. However, you can think of it as a 'big relief.' Imagine you lost your favorite toy, and you were very sad and worried. Then, your mom finds it! That feeling of 'Phew! I am so happy and safe now' is what 'Ando suru' describes. It is like a very strong version of 'Happy' or 'Safe.' In A1, you mostly use 'Anshin' (safe feeling), but you can learn 'Ando' as a special word for when a big problem goes away. Remember: Ando = A big phew! It is usually used in stories or when something very important happens. For example, if a cat is stuck in a tree and finally comes down, everyone feels 'Ando.' It is a 'suru' verb, so you say 'Ando shimasu' (I feel relieved) or 'Ando shimashita' (I felt relieved).

For A2 learners, 'Ando suru' is a great word to add to your vocabulary to sound more descriptive. You already know 'Anshin suru' (to feel relieved/safe) and 'Hotto suru' (to sigh with relief). 'Ando suru' is the more 'grown-up' version of these words. You use it when a stressful situation ends. For example, if you have a big Japanese test and you are very worried, but then you find out you passed, you can say 'Ando shimashita.' It's different from 'Hotto suru' because 'Hotto' is more about the physical feeling, while 'Ando' is more about the mental feeling of being safe again. You will often see this word in short stories or news clips for Japanese learners. Try to use it when you want to show that you were really worried before, but now you are okay.

At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between different registers of Japanese. 'Ando suru' is a B1-level vocabulary word because it appears frequently in written media and formal speech. It consists of two kanji: 安 (peace) and 堵 (fence/wall). Historically, it referred to the security of one's home. Today, it describes the profound relief felt when a significant anxiety is resolved. You should use 'Ando suru' in formal writing, speeches, or when discussing serious topics like health, safety, or major life events. It is often paired with the particle 'ni' to show the cause of relief (e.g., 'Kekka ni ando suru' - relieved by the result). Understanding this word helps you transition from 'Survival Japanese' to 'Expressive Japanese.' It shows you can articulate complex emotional shifts beyond basic adjectives like 'ureshii' (happy).

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'Ando suru' with its proper collocations and in appropriate contexts. You should recognize that 'Ando suru' implies a 'release of tension.' It is often used with phrases like 'Ando no tameiki o morasu' (to let out a sigh of relief) or 'Ando no hyōjō o ukaberu' (to show an expression of relief). You should also be aware of its formal nature; using it in a very casual setting with close friends might sound slightly stiff, whereas using 'Hotto shita' would be more natural. However, in a business report or a formal letter, 'Ando suru' (or its humble form 'Ando itashimashita') is much more professional. You should also be able to identify it in literature where it is used to describe a character's internal monologue after a climax. Pay attention to the subtle nuance that 'Ando' focuses on the *restoration* of peace.

For C1 learners, 'Ando suru' should be part of a nuanced toolkit for describing psychological states. You should understand its historical etymology—the 'Ando' of land tenure in the feudal period—and how that sense of 'guaranteed security' informs its modern emotional meaning. At this level, you can use 'Ando' to contrast with other high-level terms like 'Andoku' (living in ease) or 'Kian' (peace of mind). You should also be comfortable using it in various grammatical constructions, such as 'Ando o eru' (to obtain relief) or 'Ando-kan' (a sense of relief). In your own writing, use 'Ando suru' to provide gravitas to a narrative. For instance, in an essay about social stability, you might discuss how government policies lead to 'Kokumin no ando' (the relief/security of the citizens). You should also recognize its use in classical-style modern prose.

At the C2 level, you should have a mastery of 'Ando suru' that includes its most subtle literary and historical connotations. You can analyze its use in different historical periods, from the 'Honryō-ando' of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods to its modern psychological application. You should be able to use it effortlessly in high-level discourse, such as academic papers on psychology or sociology, to describe the phenomenon of collective relief after a national crisis. Furthermore, you should be able to distinguish 'Ando' from similar high-register words like 'Ankan' (peace and leisure) or 'An'on' (peace and quiet). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's 'weight'—it is a word that carries the silence after a storm. You should also be able to use it in sophisticated metaphorical ways, perhaps in literary criticism to describe the resolution of a narrative arc.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

安堵する in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to feel relieved after a period of high tension or anxiety.
Rooted in the historical concept of guaranteed safety and land security.
Commonly used in news, literature, and formal professional settings.
Focuses on the transition from fear to peace, often involving a 'sigh of relief'.

The Japanese verb 安堵する (Ando suru) is a sophisticated way to express the feeling of relief. While English speakers might simply say 'I'm relieved,' Japanese offers several nuances for this emotion. Ando suru specifically describes the moment when a heavy burden of anxiety or a looming threat is finally removed, allowing the person to feel safe and settled once again. It is deeply rooted in the concept of finding a 'home' or a 'safe space' after a period of instability. In modern usage, it is often found in literature, news reporting, and formal conversation to describe the collective relief of a group or the deep personal peace an individual feels after a crisis has passed.

Etymological Nuance: The kanji 安 (an) means 'peace' or 'safety,' and 堵 (do) historically refers to a wall or a fence. In ancient times, 'ando' meant that one's residence and land were officially recognized and protected by the authorities. To ando suru was to know that your home was safe. This historical weight carries over today; it is not just a passing feeling but a profound sense of security.
Atmospheric Usage: Unlike the casual 'anshin suru,' which you might use when you find your lost keys, ando suru is used for more significant events. For example, when a missing child is found safe, the parents and the community would ando suru. It implies a release of high-tension energy that was previously held in the body and mind.

試験の合格を知って、ようやく母も安堵した様子だった。
Upon hearing that I passed the exam, my mother finally seemed to be relieved.

In a professional context, you might hear this word during business negotiations or project milestones. If a long-delayed shipment finally arrives, or if a difficult contract is signed without further complications, the project manager might report that the team is 'ando shite iru' (is in a state of relief). It highlights the professional responsibility and the weight of the stakes involved. It is also common in medical contexts, such as when a doctor delivers good news about a patient's recovery, or in environmental news, like when a typhoon changes course and avoids a populated area.

犯人が逮捕されたというニュースを聞き、住民たちは胸をなでおろし、安堵した。
Hearing the news that the criminal had been arrested, the residents breathed a sigh of relief and felt at ease.

Register and Tone: The word is decidedly more literary and formal than its synonyms. You will encounter it frequently in novels to describe a character's internal state. In daily conversation, it is used when you want to emphasize the depth of your worry or when speaking to someone of higher status. It shows a level of maturity and emotional vocabulary that goes beyond basic survival Japanese.

無事に手術が終わったと聞き、家族一同安堵いたしました。
We were all relieved to hear that the surgery was completed successfully (Formal/Humble).

In summary, Ando suru is the word for those moments when the 'other shoe' doesn't drop, or when the storm finally passes. It is a word of safety, security, and the restoration of order. Use it when the relief you feel is significant enough to have physical or existential weight.

Using 安堵する correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a 'Suru-verb' (Noun + suru). This means it can be conjugated like any other suru-verb, but its usage is often paired with specific particles and emotional contexts. Because it represents a change in state—from anxiety to peace—it is frequently used in the past tense (ando shita) or the continuous state (ando shite iru).

Basic Grammatical Structure: The subject is usually the person feeling the relief. The cause of the relief is often marked with the particle 〜に (ni) or 〜を聞いて (o kiite - hearing that...).

Example: 結末に安堵する (Relieved by the ending).

彼はその知らせを聞いて、心の底から安堵した。
Hearing that news, he felt relieved from the bottom of his heart.

When describing someone's appearance, you often use the form 安堵の表情 (Ando no hyōjō), which means 'an expression of relief.' This is a very common collocation in storytelling. It paints a picture of the tension leaving a person's face, their shoulders dropping, and their breathing returning to normal.

彼女の顔に安堵の色が浮かんだ。
A look of relief appeared on her face.

Common Phrasal Patterns

ホッと安堵する: Combining the onomatopoeia 'hotto' with 'ando suru' emphasizes the physical sigh of relief.
胸をなでおろして安堵する: 'To stroke one's chest and feel relieved' (a common idiom for relief).
安堵の吐息を漏らす: 'To let out a sigh of relief.'

飛行機が予定通り着陸し、乗客たちは安堵のため息をついた。
The plane landed as scheduled, and the passengers let out a sigh of relief.

Finally, consider the level of formality. In a business email, you might write 「プロジェクトが成功し、一同安堵しております」 (The project succeeded, and we are all relieved). Here, the use of shite orimasu (humble continuous) elevates the word ando to a professional standard, showing that the relief is collective and serious.

Understanding the 'habitat' of 安堵する helps you grasp its social weight. This is not a word you usually shout across a playground; rather, it is a word that appears in media, literature, and serious discourse. It is the language of 'the aftermath'—the period after the danger has been neutralized.

1. News and Journalism: Journalists use this word to describe the public mood. When a hostage is released, a missing person is found, or a natural disaster warning is lifted, the news anchor will almost certainly use ando. It communicates a shared sense of safety being restored to society.

「住民は安堵の表情を見せています」
'The residents are showing expressions of relief' (Common news phrase).

2. Literature and Manga: In novels, authors use ando suru to delve into a character's psyche. It often follows a climax where the protagonist was in grave danger. If you read manga, look for this word in the narrative boxes or when a character is reflecting on a Narrow Escape. It emphasizes that the threat was real and the relief is profound.

ようやく敵が去り、彼はその場にへたり込んで安堵した。
The enemy finally left, and he slumped to the ground in relief.

3. Historical Dramas (Jidaigeki): Because of its roots in land ownership and safety within walls, this word appears frequently in samurai dramas. When a lord guarantees a vassal's land, it is called honryō-ando (guarantee of original territory). While the modern meaning is emotional, the historical context of 'guaranteed safety' is still palpable in these settings.

領地が守られ、家臣たちは皆安堵した。
The territory was protected, and all the vassals were relieved.

In daily life, you might hear a parent say it after their child returns home late, or a student say it after a difficult presentation. It marks the transition from a 'high-cortisol' state to a 'rest-and-digest' state. When you hear ando, you are hearing the sound of a problem being solved.

While 安堵する is a powerful word, learners often misuse it by applying it to trivial situations or confusing it with more common synonyms like anshin suru. Understanding the 'stakes' of the situation is key to avoiding these errors.

1. Overusing it for Small Things: If you find a 100-yen coin in your pocket, you might feel a little happy, but you wouldn't ando suru. Using ando for minor, everyday positive surprises makes your Japanese sound overly dramatic. Use hotto suru or anshin suru for low-stakes relief.

❌ 宿題を忘れていなかったことに安堵した。
I was 'relieved' (too heavy) that I hadn't forgotten my homework. (Better: 安心した)

2. Confusing 'Ando' with 'Anshin': Anshin (安心) is a broad term for 'peace of mind' or 'feeling safe.' It can be a long-term state. Ando (安堵) is specifically the moment of relief after worry. You can 'live in anshin' (anshin shite kurasu), but you can't really 'live in ando' because ando is a reaction to a specific threat ending.

❌ この町は安全なので安堵して住めます。
This town is safe, so I can live here 'relievedly'. (Better: 安心して)

3. Mistaking the Kanji: The kanji 堵 (do) is relatively rare. It is often confused with 渡 (to cross) or 都 (capital). Remember that 堵 has the 'earth' (土) radical on the left, which relates to the walls and land that provided the original sense of security.

❌ 安都する / 安渡する
Incorrect kanji. Always check the 'earth' radical.

Lastly, remember that ando suru is an intransitive state. You don't 'ando' someone else; you feel the relief yourself. If you want to make someone else feel relieved, you would use a causative form or a different verb like anshin saseru (to make someone feel at ease).

Relief is a complex emotion in Japanese. Depending on whether the relief is physical, emotional, casual, or formal, you should choose your words carefully. Here is a breakdown of how 安堵する compares to its cousins.

安堵する (Ando suru) vs. 安心する (Anshin suru): Ando suru: Formal, literary, focuses on the moment a threat disappears. It implies a previous state of high tension.
Anshin suru: Casual to neutral, used for both the 'moment' of relief and a 'state' of peace. You can feel anshin just by being with a friend.
安堵する (Ando suru) vs. ほっとする (Hotto suru): Hotto suru: Onomatopoeic and very common in spoken Japanese. It mimics the sound of a sigh. It is much more casual than ando suru and is used for things like finishing a long day of work or finding a seat on a crowded train.

コーヒーを飲んでほっとした。
I felt relieved/relaxed after drinking coffee. (Ando would be too heavy here).

胸をなでおろす (Mune o nadeorosu): Literally 'to stroke down one's chest.' This is an idiomatic equivalent to 'breathing a sigh of relief.' It is often used interchangeably with ando suru in narrative writing to provide a visual of the relief.
人心地がつく (Hitogochi ga tsuku): A more advanced expression meaning 'to feel like oneself again' after a shock or a period of intense stress. While ando suru is the relief itself, hitogochi ga tsuku is the recovery of one's senses.

危機を脱して、ようやく人心地がついた。
Having escaped the crisis, I finally felt like a human being again (felt relieved).

Choosing the right word shows your listener that you understand the gravity of the situation. Using ando suru correctly marks you as an advanced student who appreciates the literary and historical depth of the Japanese language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 堵 (do) means 'wall' or 'fence.' So, 'Ando' literally means 'peace within the walls.' In the past, if you had 'ando,' it meant nobody could take your house away. This is why the relief it describes today is so 'deep'—it's the relief of not losing your home!

Pronunciation Guide

UK æn.dəʊ suː.ruː

US æn.doʊ su.ru

In Japanese, the pitch accent for 'Ando' is typically [Heiban] (Flat/Type 0), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the initial rise.

Rhymes With

Kandō (Emotion) Sandō (Approval) Handō (Reaction) Bandō (Bando) Zandō (Remaining path) Mandō (Ten thousand lamps) Gandō (Gando) Randō (Random - loan word)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'do' like 'do' (action) instead of 'doh' (long o).
Stressing the 'An' too heavily like an English word.
Merging 'An' and 'do' into a single syllable.
Using a hard English 'r' for 'ru' instead of the Japanese flicked 'r'.
Adding a 'u' sound to the end of 'Ando' making it 'Andou' (though sometimes written this way, the 'o' is just long).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The second kanji (堵) is rare and not part of the basic Jōyō kanji list taught in early school, making it harder to read.

Writing 5/5

Writing 堵 from memory is difficult for many learners and even some native speakers.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is simple and follows standard suru-verb rules.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'Anshin' or other 'An-' words if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

安心 (Anshin) 安全 (Anzen) 心配 (Shinpai) 解決 (Kaiketsu) 表情 (Hyōjō)

Learn Next

危惧する (Kigu suru) 懸念 (Kenen) 安穏 (An'on) 安らぎ (Yasuragi) 平穏無事 (Heion-buji)

Advanced

本領安堵 (Honryō-ando) 溜飲を下げる (Ryūin o sageru) 人心地 (Hitogochi) 愁眉を開く (Shūbi o hiraku)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + suru)

安堵 + する = 安堵する

Cause marking with 〜に (Ni)

知らせに安堵する (Relieved by the news).

Cause marking with 〜て (Te-form)

会えて安堵した (Relieved because I could meet you).

Using 'no' to create noun phrases

安堵のため息 (Sigh of relief).

Honorific/Humble forms of suru

安堵いたしております (Humble form).

Examples by Level

お母さんに会えて、安堵しました。

I was relieved to be able to see my mother.

Simple past tense of a suru-verb.

テストが終わって、安堵した。

The test finished, and I was relieved.

Short form past tense.

ねこが帰ってきて、みんな安堵しました。

The cat came back, and everyone was relieved.

Subject + ga + verb, then 'ando'.

道に迷わなかったので、安堵した。

I didn't get lost, so I was relieved.

Negative 'node' (because) + 'ando'.

雨がやんで、安堵しました。

The rain stopped, and I was relieved.

Te-form for cause and effect.

宿題があったので、安堵しました。

I had my homework (I didn't forget it), so I was relieved.

Simple cause and effect.

先生が優しくて、安堵した。

The teacher was kind, so I was relieved.

Adjective te-form + 'ando'.

電車の時間に間に合って、安堵しました。

I made it in time for the train, so I was relieved.

Ni maniatte (making it in time) + 'ando'.

病気が治ったと聞いて、安堵しました。

I was relieved to hear that the illness was cured.

Hearing (to kiite) + result.

飛行機が無事に着いて、乗客は安堵した。

The plane arrived safely, and the passengers were relieved.

Adverbial 'mubuji-ni' (safely).

財布が見つかり、彼は安堵の表情を見せた。

The wallet was found, and he showed an expression of relief.

Noun 'ando' + 'no' + 'hyōjō'.

台風が来なかったので、農家の人たちは安堵している。

The typhoon didn't come, so the farmers are relieved.

Continuous state 'ando shite iru'.

難しい仕事が終わり、ようやく安堵できた。

The difficult job ended, and I could finally feel relieved.

Potential form 'ando dekiru'.

子供の無事を確認して、両親は安堵した。

Confirming the child's safety, the parents were relieved.

Te-form for sequence of actions.

間違いがないと分かり、安堵のため息をついた。

Knowing there were no mistakes, I let out a sigh of relief.

Ando no tameiki (sigh of relief).

予定通りに進んで、スタッフ一同安堵しました。

Things went as planned, so all the staff were relieved.

Ichidō (all together) + 'ando'.

手術が成功したという知らせに、家族は安堵した。

The family was relieved at the news that the surgery was successful.

Particle 'ni' marking the cause of relief.

紛争が終結し、周辺住民はようやく安堵することができた。

The conflict ended, and the local residents were finally able to feel at ease.

Koto ga dekita (was able to).

彼の説明を聞いて、疑惑が晴れ、私たちは安堵した。

Hearing his explanation, the doubts were cleared, and we were relieved.

Giyaku ga hare (doubts cleared).

経営危機を乗り越え、社長は安堵の胸をなでおろした。

Overcoming the management crisis, the president breathed a sigh of relief.

Idiom: Ando no mune o nadeorosu.

落とし物が警察に届いていると知り、安堵の表情を浮かべた。

Knowing that the lost item was at the police station, they showed a look of relief.

Hyōjō o ukaberu (to show an expression).

厳しい寒さが和らぎ、村の人々は安堵している。

The severe cold has eased, and the villagers are relieved.

Continuous state 'ando shite iru'.

プロジェクトが予算内に収まり、チームは安堵した。

The project stayed within budget, and the team was relieved.

Within budget (yosan nai ni osamari).

迷子が無事に保護されたというニュースに、日本中が安堵した。

The news that the missing child was safely taken into custody relieved all of Japan.

Nihon-jū (all of Japan) as the subject.

懸念されていた事態が回避され、関係者は一様に安堵した。

The feared situation was avoided, and those involved were uniformly relieved.

Ichiyō-ni (uniformly/all together).

長年の懸案事項が解決し、ようやく安堵の日々を送っている。

Long-standing issues have been resolved, and I am finally living days of ease.

Ando no hibi (days of relief/ease).

再検査の結果、異常なしと判定され、彼女は安堵の吐息を漏らした。

As a result of the re-examination, it was judged as 'no abnormalities,' and she let out a sigh of relief.

Toiki o morasu (to leak/let out a sigh).

犯人の逮捕により、地域社会に安堵が広がった。

With the arrest of the criminal, relief spread through the community.

Noun 'ando' used with 'hirogatta' (spread).

厳しい交渉の末、合意に達したことで、双方は安堵の色を隠せなかった。

Having reached an agreement after tough negotiations, both sides couldn't hide their look of relief.

Ando no iro (look/color of relief).

危篤状態を脱したとの医師の言葉に、家族全員が安堵した。

At the doctor's words that the patient was out of critical condition, the whole family was relieved.

Kitoku jōtai (critical condition).

大地震の直後、家族の無事を確認して安堵したのも束の間、次の余震が襲った。

After the earthquake, the relief of confirming my family's safety was short-lived as the next aftershock hit.

Ando shita no mo tsukanoma (relief was short-lived).

全ての任務を遂行し、彼は初めて安堵の笑みを浮かべた。

Having completed all missions, he showed a smile of relief for the first time.

Ando no emi (smile of relief).

政情不安が続く中、暫定政権の樹立に国民は一時の安堵を得た。

Amidst ongoing political instability, the citizens gained a moment of relief with the establishment of a provisional government.

Ando o eta (gained relief).

その作家は、脱稿してようやく安堵の境地に達したようだった。

The author seemed to have finally reached a state of relief after finishing the manuscript.

Ando no kyōchi (state/stage of relief).

絶体絶命の危機を潜り抜け、一同は安堵の余韻に浸っていた。

Having slipped through a desperate crisis, everyone was immersed in the afterglow of relief.

Ando no yoin ni hitaru (immersed in the afterglow of relief).

金融市場の混乱が収束の兆しを見せ、投資家たちは安堵の胸をなでおろしている。

The turmoil in the financial markets is showing signs of subsiding, and investors are breathing a sigh of relief.

Shūsoku no kizashi (signs of subsiding).

彼が安堵したのは、単に身の安全が確保されたからではなく、名誉が守られたからであった。

He was relieved not simply because his physical safety was secured, but because his honor was protected.

Kara de wa naku... kara de atta (not because... but because).

その知らせは、渇いた大地に降る雨のように、人々に安堵をもたらした。

The news brought relief to the people like rain falling on parched earth.

Ando o motorasu (to bring relief).

安堵の影には、常に失ったものへの哀惜が潜んでいる。

In the shadow of relief, there always lurks a sense of sorrow for what was lost.

Ando no kage (shadow of relief).

法案の可決により、長年この問題に苦しんできた人々は、ようやく安堵の吐息を漏らすことができた。

With the passing of the bill, those who had suffered from this problem for many years were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Toiki o morasu (letting out a sigh).

江戸時代の「本領安堵」は、武士にとってアイデンティティの根幹に関わる重大な事柄であった。

The 'guarantee of original territory' in the Edo period was a matter of grave importance concerning the very core of a samurai's identity.

Historical term 'Honryō-ando'.

カタルシスとは、劇の結末において観客が享受する、一種の精神的な安堵とも言えるだろう。

Catharsis can be described as a kind of spiritual relief that the audience enjoys at the end of a play.

Seishinteki na ando (spiritual/mental relief).

危機の回避が、必ずしも真の安堵を意味するわけではないことを、我々は歴史から学んできた。

We have learned from history that the avoidance of a crisis does not necessarily mean true relief.

Wake de wa nai (does not mean/not the case that).

その静寂は、嵐の前の静けさではなく、全てが解決した後の深い安堵に満ちたものであった。

That silence was not the calm before the storm, but one filled with deep relief after everything had been resolved.

Ando ni michita (filled with relief).

実存的な不安からの解放こそが、宗教が提供し得る究極の安堵であるとの説もある。

Some argue that liberation from existential anxiety is the ultimate relief that religion can provide.

Jitsuzonteki na fuan (existential anxiety).

条約の調印式に臨んだ外交官たちの顔には、安堵と、それ以上に重い責任の念が刻まれていた。

Etched on the faces of the diplomats at the treaty signing ceremony were relief and, even more so, a sense of heavy responsibility.

Nen ga kizamarete ita (a feeling was etched).

彼の沈黙は、安堵の表明であると同時に、言葉にできない疲弊の表れでもあった。

His silence was an expression of relief and, at the same time, a manifestation of inexpressible exhaustion.

Hyōmei (expression/declaration).

科学的な解明が進むにつれ、未知の恐怖から解放された人類は、知的な安堵を手に入れたのである。

As scientific clarification progressed, humanity, freed from the fear of the unknown, obtained an intellectual relief.

Chiteki na ando (intellectual relief).

Common Collocations

安堵の表情

安堵のため息

一様に安堵する

安堵の色

胸をなでおろして安堵する

安堵の吐息

安堵を覚える

安堵が広がる

安堵の笑み

安堵を得る

Common Phrases

安堵の胸をなでおろす

— To feel deeply relieved. It combines the noun 'ando' with the 'stroking chest' idiom.

子供が見つかり、母親は安堵の胸をなでおろした。

安堵感に包まれる

— To be enveloped in a sense of relief. Describes a pervasive feeling of peace.

家に着くと、安堵感に包まれた。

安堵の表情を浮かべる

— To show a look of relief on one's face.

彼は安堵の表情を浮かべて椅子に座った。

安堵の境地

— A state of mind where one is completely at ease.

修行の末、彼は安堵の境地に達した。

安堵のため息をつく

— To let out a sigh of relief.

危機を脱し、みんなで安堵のため息をついた。

安堵の吐息を漏らす

— To let out a faint sigh of relief, often unintentionally.

彼女は思わず安堵の吐息を漏らした。

安堵の色を隠せない

— Cannot hide the look of relief. Used when relief is very obvious.

成功の知らせに、彼は安堵の色を隠せなかった。

安堵の日々

— Days of peace and relief after a struggle.

戦争が終わり、安堵の日々がやってきた。

安堵の笑みを漏らす

— To let a small smile of relief escape.

彼は鏡を見て、安堵の笑みを漏らした。

安堵を分かち合う

— To share the feeling of relief with others.

チーム全員で安堵を分かち合った。

Often Confused With

安堵する vs 安心 (Anshin)

Anshin is a general state of peace; Ando is the specific relief after worry.

安堵する vs 安堵 (Anto - different reading)

While 'Anto' is a valid reading in some historical contexts, 'Ando' is the standard modern reading.

安堵する vs 安楽 (Anraku)

Anraku means comfort or ease (like euthanasia: anraku-shi), not necessarily relief from worry.

Idioms & Expressions

"安堵の胸をなでおろす"

— To feel completely relieved after a major worry. It is the most common idiomatic use of 'ando'.

手術の成功を聞き、安堵の胸をなでおろした。

Neutral/Formal

"安堵の余韻に浸る"

— To bask in the afterglow of relief. Enjoying the feeling of safety after danger.

遭難から救助され、しばらく安堵の余韻に浸っていた。

Literary

"安堵の吐息"

— A sigh of relief. Specifically the breath itself representing the emotion.

彼は安堵の吐息をつきながら目を閉じた。

Literary

"本領安堵"

— A historical term where a lord guarantees a samurai's land. Used in historical contexts.

主君から本領安堵の沙汰があった。

Historical

"安堵の笑み"

— A smile that comes from feeling safe and relieved.

無事を確認した彼女は、安堵の笑みを浮かべた。

Neutral

"安堵の地"

— A place where one can feel safe and at ease.

彼はようやく安堵の地を見つけた。

Poetic

"安堵の光"

— A 'light' of relief; seeing hope or safety in a dark situation.

そのニュースは絶望の中に安堵の光をもたらした。

Literary

"安堵の声"

— Voices of relief; collective verbal expression of safety.

避難所には安堵の声が漏れていた。

Neutral

"安堵の影"

— The 'shadow' of relief; implying that relief is temporary or has a cost.

安堵の影に不安が潜んでいた。

Literary

"安堵を誘う"

— To invite or cause relief.

彼の穏やかな声は人々の安堵を誘った。

Neutral

Easily Confused

安堵する vs 安心 (Anshin)

Both mean 'relief' or 'peace of mind'.

Anshin is broader and can be a permanent state. Ando is the specific 'phew' moment after a scare. Ando is more formal.

保険に入っているので安心だ (Anshin - state). 事故がなくて安堵した (Ando - reaction).

安堵する vs 安息 (Ansoku)

Both start with 'An' (peace).

Ansoku means 'rest' or 'repose' (like the Sabbath: Ansoku-bi). It's about physical/spiritual rest, not relief from a specific fear.

安息の日を楽しむ。

安堵する vs 安穏 (An'on)

Both mean peace.

An'on refers to a state of public or personal tranquility and lack of change. It's a static state, whereas Ando is a dynamic shift.

安穏な暮らしを送る。

安堵する vs 安住 (Anjū)

Both relate to feeling safe in a place.

Anjū means to settle down permanently in a place. Ando is the feeling; Anjū is the action of settling.

安住の地を求める。

安堵する vs 安堵 (Ando) vs ほっとする (Hotto suru)

Both describe a sigh of relief.

Hotto suru is a casual onomatopoeia. Ando suru is a formal Sino-Japanese verb. You wouldn't use 'Ando' for finishing a cup of tea.

お茶を飲んでほっとした。

Sentence Patterns

[Event] て、安堵しました。

お母さんに会えて、安堵しました。

[News] を聞いて、安堵した。

合格を聞いて、安堵した。

[Cause] に安堵の胸をなでおろす。

無事の知らせに安堵の胸をなでおろした。

[Person] は安堵の表情を浮かべた。

彼は安堵の表情を浮かべた。

安堵の余韻に浸る。

救助された後、一同は安堵の余韻に浸った。

〜により、社会に安堵が広がる。

新法の成立により、社会に安堵が広がった。

ようやく安堵することができた。

問題が解決し、ようやく安堵することができた。

安堵のため息をつく。

飛行機が着陸し、安堵のため息をついた。

Word Family

Nouns

安堵 (Ando) - Relief; security

安堵感 (Ando-kan) - A sense/feeling of relief

Verbs

安堵する (Ando suru) - To feel relieved

安心 (Anshin) - Peace of mind

安全 (Anzen) - Safety

平穏 (Heion) - Tranquility

堵列 (Toretsu) - To stand in a row (rare usage of the second kanji)

安否 (Anpi) - Safety (of someone)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media and literature; moderate in daily speech (reserved for significant relief).

Common Mistakes

Using 'Ando' for casual relief (e.g., finding a pen). → Use 'Hotto suru' or 'Anshin suru'.
Ando is too formal and heavy for minor everyday events.
Saying 'Ando ni sumu' (living in relief). → Use 'Anshin shite kurasu'.
Ando is a reaction to a change, not a continuous state of living.
Writing the kanji as 安渡 or 安都. → 安堵
The second kanji must have the earth radical (土).
Using 'Ando suru' as a transitive verb (e.g., Ando saseru). → Use 'Anshin saseru' to make someone else feel relieved.
While 'Ando saseru' is technically possible, it is extremely rare. 'Anshin saseru' is the standard way to say 'to relieve someone'.
Mispronouncing 'do' as a short 'd'. → Pronounce it as a long 'o' (doh).
Though often written as 'Ando', the 'o' is a long vowel sound in Japanese.

Tips

When to choose Ando

Choose 'Ando' when you want to emphasize that a period of great stress has ended. It's the 'exhale' after a long 'inhale' of anxiety.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for the source of relief (e.g., kekka ni ando). Use 'o' with 'ando o eru' (to gain relief).

Descriptive Writing

Combine 'Ando' with 'Hyōjō' (expression) to make your characters more vivid. 'Ando no hyōjō o ukaberu' is a classic literary phrase.

Historical Weight

Remember the 'wall' kanji (堵). It helps you remember that 'Ando' is about feeling safe within boundaries.

Formal Sincerity

Using 'Ando shimashita' instead of 'Anshin shimashita' when a friend tells you their surgery went well shows you took their worry seriously.

The 'Ann-Door' Trick

Ann is safe behind the Door. Ann-Door = Ando. Peace within the walls.

News Keywords

In news, 'Ando' is a keyword for 'happy ending' or 'crisis averted'. Listen for it at the end of segments.

Word Family

Learn 'Ando-kan' (sense of relief) as a noun. It's very useful for describing atmospheres.

Don't over-dramatize

Avoid 'Ando' for trivial things like finding a 10-yen coin. It makes you sound like a drama queen/king.

Radical Recognition

Focus on the 'earth' radical in 堵. Security comes from the land/earth in the historical sense of the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ann' (安) who was stuck outside, but then she found a 'Door' (堵) to her safe house. She felt 'Ando' (Ann-Door) once she was inside.

Visual Association

Imagine a tall stone wall (堵) protecting a small, peaceful garden (安). Inside the wall, you can finally exhale and feel 'Ando.'

Word Web

安 (Peace) 堵 (Wall/Fence) 安心 (Anshin) 安全 (Anzen) 安堵感 (Sense of relief) 本領安堵 (Land guarantee) 安堵のため息 (Sigh of relief) 安堵の表情 (Face of relief)

Challenge

Try to use 'Ando suru' in a sentence today when describing a movie ending or a news story. Don't use it for small things like finding a pen!

Word Origin

The word originates from the medieval Japanese legal system (Kamakura to Edo periods). It specifically referred to the official recognition and guarantee of a person's rights to their ancestral land or current residence by a superior authority (like a Shogun or Daimyo).

Original meaning: To have one's land and home guaranteed; to be secure in one's dwelling.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'Ando' for someone's death (unless you mean they are finally free from pain, which is very specific). It generally has a positive, life-affirming connotation of safety.

English speakers often use 'relieved' for both small and large things. In Japanese, you must distinguish between 'Hotto' (small/casual) and 'Ando' (large/formal).

The term 'Honryō-ando' appears in almost every Japanese history textbook regarding the Shogunate's power. In the anime 'Attack on Titan', the concept of being safe within walls (堵) resonates with the etymology of Ando. Famous novelist Natsume Soseki used 'Ando' to describe complex psychological states in his Meiji-era literature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Results

検査結果に安堵する
手術の成功に安堵する
回復を聞いて安堵する
安堵の吐息

Crime/Safety

犯人逮捕で安堵する
無事保護されて安堵する
地域に安堵が広がる
安堵の表情

Business/Projects

納期に間に合い安堵する
契約成立に安堵する
一同安堵しております
安堵の胸をなでおろす

Natural Disasters

台風が逸れて安堵する
津波の心配がなくなり安堵する
無事を確認して安堵する
安堵のため息

Literature/Drama

主人公は安堵した
安堵の境地に達する
安堵の笑みを浮かべる
深い安堵

Conversation Starters

"大きなプロジェクトが終わって、ようやく安堵したことはありますか？ (Have you ever felt relieved after finishing a big project?)"

"最近、ニュースを見て安堵したことは何ですか？ (What news have you seen recently that made you feel relieved?)"

"「安堵する」と「安心する」の違いを説明できますか？ (Can you explain the difference between 'Ando suru' and 'Anshin suru'?)"

"テストの結果を待っているとき、どんな気持ちですか？安堵した瞬間のことを教えてください。 (How do you feel while waiting for test results? Tell me about the moment you felt relieved.)"

"道に迷って、知っている場所に出たとき、安堵の表情になりますか？ (When you get lost and find a familiar place, do you show an expression of relief?)"

Journal Prompts

人生で一番「安堵した」瞬間のことを詳しく書いてください。何が心配で、どう解決しましたか？ (Write in detail about the moment in your life you felt most relieved. What were you worried about, and how was it resolved?)

「安堵のため息」をついた最近の出来事について日記を書いてください。 (Write a journal entry about a recent event where you let out a 'sigh of relief'.)

誰かを安堵させるために、あなたができることは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think you can do to make someone else feel relieved?)

ニュースで「安堵の表情」という言葉を聞いたとき、どのような場面を想像しますか？ (When you hear the phrase 'expression of relief' on the news, what kind of scene do you imagine?)

「安堵」という言葉の漢字の成り立ち（壁と平和）について、自分の考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the etymology of the word 'Ando'—walls and peace.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. 'Ando suru' implies a significant release of tension. For small things like finding your lost pen or finishing a minor task, 'Hotto suru' or 'Anshin suru' is much more natural. Using 'Ando' for small things can sound overly dramatic or stiff.

It is both! 'Ando' is a noun meaning 'relief' or 'security'. By adding 'suru', it becomes a verb meaning 'to feel relief'. You can also use it as a noun in phrases like 'Ando no hyōjō' (expression of relief).

The kanji is 堵. It has the 'earth' radical (土) on the left and 者 (person) with an extra stroke on the right. It's not a common kanji, so many people write it using a computer or look it up. It historically means a wall or fence.

Anshin (安心) is the general feeling of being at ease or safe. Ando (安堵) is specifically the relief you feel when a specific worry or danger goes away. You can say 'I live in Anshin', but you wouldn't say 'I live in Ando'.

Yes! In fact, it is very appropriate for business. Using the humble form 'Ando itashimashita' (I felt relieved) or 'Ando shite orimasu' (We are feeling relieved) shows a high level of professionalism when a project or issue is resolved.

No, it is almost always positive. However, in literature, it can be used to show a character letting their guard down prematurely, which might lead to trouble later. But the feeling itself is positive.

It is used more in writing (novels, news, reports). In spoken Japanese, people usually prefer 'Hotto shita' or 'Anshin shita' unless the situation is very serious or they are speaking formally.

It is a historical term from the samurai era. It refers to a lord officially confirming that a samurai can keep his land. This is the origin of the word 'Ando', meaning your home and safety are guaranteed.

Yes, in the phrase 'Ando no chi' (a place of relief/safety). It describes a place where someone finally feels safe after a long struggle.

Yes, especially in serious or dramatic anime. When a battle ends or a character is saved, the narrator or characters might use 'Ando' to describe the heavy atmosphere lifting.