Translation guide
The English adverb 'gently' covers a range of meanings from physical softness and careful handling to mildness in manner or speech. Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
Describing how an action is performed with lightness, care, or without force.
Adverb meaning softly, quietly, or carefully, often used for physical actions like touching, placing, or moving something without force.
She gently picked up the baby.
Adverbial form of 優しい (kind, tender). Implies gentleness with warmth or affection, often used for touching, holding, or speaking.
He gently stroked the dog.
Adverbial form of 静か (quiet). Used when 'gently' implies quietly or without noise, such as closing a door or moving silently.
He entered the room gently (quietly).
Describing something that happens slowly, not abruptly, or with low intensity.
Describing a way of speaking or acting that is kind, considerate, and not harsh.
Adverbial form of 優しい. The most common way to say 'gently' when referring to kind words or actions.
Describing a slight incline or curve that is not steep or sharp.
Na-adjective meaning gentle, gradual, or mild. Commonly used for slopes, curves, or changes.
While 優しく can mean 'gently', it carries a nuance of kindness or tenderness. For purely physical carefulness without emotional warmth, そっと is often better. For gradual processes, use ゆっくり or 徐々に.
Please put it down gently.
そっと emphasizes carefulness and lack of force, while ゆっくり emphasizes slowness. When closing a door quietly, そっと is natural; when heating soup slowly, ゆっくり is natural.
Please close the door gently.
Adverb meaning slowly or at a relaxed pace. Often used for gradual actions like heating, walking, or speaking.
Please heat the soup gently (slowly).
We went down the slope gently (slowly).
Adverb meaning gradually or little by little. More formal than ゆっくり, often used in written instructions or descriptions.
Please increase the temperature gently (gradually).
Phrase meaning 'on low heat'. Specifically used in cooking contexts when 'gently' refers to low heat.
Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
He gently said, 'It's okay.'
The teacher treated the students gently (kindly).
Adverbial form of 穏やか (calm, mild). Implies a gentle, peaceful manner, often used for tone of voice or demeanor.
She began to speak gently (calmly).
Adverbial form of 柔らかい (soft). Can describe a gentle, soft manner of speaking, but less common than 優しく.
He gently cautioned (them).
This road has gentle curves.
We climbed a gentle slope.
Na-adjective specifically for gentle slopes or inclines. Slightly more descriptive than 緩やかな.
Gentle hills stretch out.
ドアをそっと閉める。
Close the door gently (carefully/quietly).
Heat the soup gently (slowly).