Translation guide
The English word 'generous' covers giving freely, being kind in judgment, and having ample size. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the nuance. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
He's really generous, isn't he?
Thank you for your generous donation.
A casual, slightly slangy term for someone who is big-hearted and generous, especially with money. Often used among friends.
I'll treat you today. Generous of me, right?
Means generous in a broad sense, including tolerance and magnanimity. Can be used for financial generosity but is more formal and less common in daily speech.
He offered generous assistance.
Adverbial form meaning 'generously'. Use it to describe how an action is done.
She gave a generous tip.
Showing a willingness to overlook faults, give people the benefit of the doubt, or be lenient.
The best fit for being generous in spirit, forgiving, and not strict. Works for attitudes, judgments, and treatment of others.
He is generous about his subordinates' mistakes.
Accept with a generous heart.
Literally 'broad-minded'. Describes a person who is tolerant, accepting, and not petty. More about personality than a specific act.
Describes a calm, composed, and generous attitude, often associated with someone of high status. Somewhat literary.
Describing a portion, serving, or quantity that is more than expected or ample.
Means 'plentiful' or 'ample'. Commonly used for servings, portions, or amounts of something.
Please give me a generous portion of salad.
He spent a generous amount of time explaining.
Specifically for food portions; means 'large serving'. Often used in restaurants.
I ordered a generous bowl of ramen.
Means 'sufficient' or 'ample'. More neutral and can be used in various contexts.
気前がいい is specifically about giving money or things freely. 寛大な is broader and includes being forgiving and tolerant. Don't use 気前がいい for being generous in judgment.
He's generous with money, so he often treats us.
He's generous (tolerant), so he doesn't get angry even if you fail.
The English word 'generous' is often translated as 寛大な in dictionaries, but in everyday conversation about giving, 気前がいい is much more natural. Using 寛大な for a generous tipper sounds overly formal and stiff.
She's generous-minded, so she won't mind a small mistake.
I was impressed by his generous demeanor.
We prepared a generous amount of materials.