Translation guide
Describes a person who is tolerant, open to different ideas, and not narrow in their thinking. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives and descriptive phrases that emphasize generosity of spirit, lack of prejudice, and acceptance of diversity.
To describe someone who is not narrow-minded, who accepts views, lifestyles, or people different from their own.
Literally 'heart is wide', this is the most common and natural way to say someone is broad-minded. It implies generosity, tolerance, and an open heart.
彼は心が広い人だ。
He is a broad-minded person.
心が広いから、どんな意見も受け入れる。
Because she's broad-minded, she accepts any opinion.
To describe someone who is not conservative or rigid, willing to try new things or consider radical ideas.
Loanword from English 'open-minded'. Commonly used in casual and business contexts to mean receptive to new ideas.
オープンマインドな人と話すのは楽しい。
Talking with open-minded people is fun.
心が広い is the most natural, everyday expression for a person's character. 寛容な is slightly more formal and can be used for policies, societies, or attitudes. For describing a friend, 心が広い is better.
友達は心が広い。
My friend is broad-minded.
この国は宗教に寛容だ。
This country is tolerant of religion.
Do not directly translate 'broad-minded' as 広い心 (hiroi kokoro) as a standalone noun phrase; it sounds unnatural. Use the full phrase 心が広い or 心の広い人.
Means 'tolerant' or 'lenient'. Often used in more formal contexts or to describe a society or attitude. Can be used for people.
寛容な態度で接する。
To interact with a tolerant attitude.
彼女はとても寛容な人です。
She is a very tolerant person.
Literally 'without prejudice'. Emphasizes the absence of bias or preconceived notions. More direct about lack of prejudice.
偏見のない見方をする。
To have an unprejudiced view.
Literally 'field of vision is wide'. More about having a broad perspective or wide-ranging knowledge, but can imply open-mindedness.
彼は視野が広いから、色々な文化を理解できる。
He has a broad perspective, so he can understand various cultures.
Means 'flexible in thinking'. Emphasizes adaptability and lack of rigidity. Suitable for describing someone who can change their mind or accept new methods.
考え方が柔軟な上司は頼りになる。
A boss with flexible thinking is reliable.
Means 'progressive'. Often used for political or social attitudes, implying forward-thinking and open to reform.
彼の進歩的な考え方は若者に人気だ。
His progressive ideas are popular with young people.