Translation guide
The English word 'kindly' can be used as an adverb meaning 'in a kind manner' or as a polite request marker. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for both uses.
He kindly helped me.
Would you kindly wait a moment?
Describing an action done with kindness or gentleness.
The most common and neutral way to say 'kindly' as an adverb. It comes from the adjective 親切 (kind).
He kindly opened the door for me.
Thank you for kindly showing me the way.
Emphasizes gentleness or tenderness. Often used for soft, caring actions.
She smiled kindly.
Means 'politely' or 'carefully'. Used when the kindness is expressed through polite or meticulous behavior.
He kindly answered my questions in a polite manner.
Literally 'with a kind heart'. More poetic or literary, emphasizing inner kindness.
He kindly picked up the child.
Making a polite request, often in formal or written contexts.
A very polite request pattern. The 'kindly' nuance is built into the politeness of the expression.
Would you kindly sign here?
A formal, written expression equivalent to 'I would appreciate it if you could kindly...'.
Polite request, slightly less formal than していただけませんか. Still conveys 'kindly' through the negative question form.
Would you kindly be quiet?
Adding どうぞ before a request softens it, similar to 'kindly' or 'please'. Often used in offers or invitations.
Kindly take a seat.
English 'kindly' in requests like 'Kindly refrain from smoking' does not have a direct adverb equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use polite request forms. A literal translation like 親切に禁煙してください would sound unnatural.
Kindly refrain from smoking.
I would appreciate it if you could kindly reply.