Translation guide
The concept of being less strict or severe than expected, often in punishment, judgment, or rules. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that convey mercy, generosity, or laxity, depending on the context.
Showing mercy by reducing a punishment or penalty.
Noun or na-adjective meaning leniency, generosity, or magnanimity. Often used in formal contexts like legal or disciplinary situations.
The judge handed down a lenient sentence to the first-time offender.
Legal term for taking extenuating circumstances into consideration, leading to a reduced sentence.
The lawyer asked for leniency due to extenuating circumstances.
To overlook or be lenient about a mistake or minor offense; literally 'to look with big eyes'.
I'll let it slide this time.
Tolerance or leniency, often in the sense of being accepting or forgiving of others' behavior or beliefs.
We should be lenient toward his mistakes.
Describing a situation where rules are not strictly enforced.
Adjective meaning 'sweet', but commonly used to mean lenient, soft, or not strict enough. Often used in criticism.
That teacher is lenient in grading.
Because the parents are lenient, the child becomes selfish.
Adjective meaning loose or slack; used for lenient rules, regulations, or enforcement.
Adjective meaning half-hearted or not severe enough; implies a lack of necessary strictness.
Treating someone with kindness and not being harsh.
Noun meaning warm-heartedness, compassion, or leniency shown out of kindness.
I am grateful for my boss's leniency.
Mercy or compassion, often with a religious or profound nuance. Can be used for leniency in a grand sense.
Both can mean 'lenient', but 甘い often implies a subjective softness or indulgence (like a lenient parent), while 緩い refers to objective slackness or looseness (like loose regulations). 甘い can carry a negative connotation of being too soft, whereas 緩い is more neutral.
The English word 'leniency' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The appropriate term depends heavily on context: legal, personal, or institutional. Using 寛大 in casual conversation may sound overly formal.
This company's rules are lenient.
そんな手ぬるい対応では問題は解決しない。
Such a lenient response won't solve the problem.
To show leniency or to go easy on someone; literally 'to add a hand's heart'.
The examiner showed leniency.
The king was merciful and lenient to the prisoners.