Translation guide
The English word 'gentle' covers a range of meanings from soft and mild to kind and careful. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean a gentle person, a gentle touch, a gentle slope, or a gentle reminder.
Describing a person who is kind, tender, and not harsh.
The most common word for a gentle, kind person. It implies tenderness and compassion.
He is a very gentle person.
Describes a gentle, mild-mannered, and calm personality. Often used for someone who is peaceable and not easily angered.
Means calm, gentle, and peaceful. Can describe a person's temperament or a quiet atmosphere.
Describing a physical action or sound that is light, soft, and not forceful.
Describing a gradual incline or decline.
Describing something that is not strong, severe, or irritating.
A polite, non-forceful way of reminding or suggesting something.
優しい (yasashii) is the most common and versatile, covering both kindness and gentleness of touch. 穏やか (odayaka) emphasizes calmness and peacefulness, often for weather or a person's temperament. 温和 (onwa) is more formal and describes a mild, gentle nature, often used in written descriptions.
He is kind, but not calm/gentle in temperament.
While 優しい can mean gentle in many contexts, it is not used for physical gradients. Use 緩やか (yuruyaka) or なだらか (nadaraka) for gentle slopes.
She has a gentle heart.
She has a gentle personality.
He has a gentle disposition and is liked by everyone.
祖父は穏やかな人です。
My grandfather is a gentle person.
Also used for gentle touch, voice, or manner. The same word as for a kind person.
Please touch the baby gently.
She spoke in a gentle voice.
An adverb meaning softly, gently, or quietly. Often used for careful, light actions.
He gently closed the door.
I gently held her hand.
Means quiet, but can be used for a gentle, soft voice or sound.
Please speak in a gentle voice.
The standard word for a gentle slope or curve. Implies gradual, not steep.
This slope is gentle.
Turn a gentle curve.
Also means gentle, smooth, and gradual. Often used for slopes and hills.
We climbed a gentle hill.
Used for gentle weather, climate, or sea. Implies calm and mild.
The weather is gentle today.
We swam in a gentle sea.
A loanword from English, used for mild taste, gentle soap, or mild climate.
This soap is gentle on the skin.
A curry with a gentle flavor.
Literally 'low irritation', used for skincare or products that are gentle on the skin.
A gentle toner for sensitive skin.
Means casual, nonchalant, or subtle. Used for a gentle hint or reminder that doesn't seem pushy.
He gave a gentle warning.
I sent a gentle reminder.
Literally 'lightly', used to soften a suggestion or reminder.
I gave a gentle warning.
The gentle breeze felt nice.
He gave me a gentle push.