Translation guide
Describes a person, rule, or treatment that is not strict or severe. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives and verbs depending on whether you're talking about a person's nature, a punishment, a rule, or an attitude.
Describing a person, their attitude, or a rule that is tolerant, not harsh, and allows freedom.
Literally 'sweet', but commonly used to mean 'lenient' or 'soft' when describing a person, attitude, or judgment. Often implies being too easygoing or indulgent.
He is lenient with his students.
That teacher is lenient in grading.
Means 'generous' or 'tolerant' in a positive sense. Used for people, attitudes, or treatment that is forgiving and broad-minded.
He forgave my mistake with a lenient heart.
Apply the rules leniently.
Means 'loose' or 'slack'. Can describe rules, regulations, or supervision that are not strict.
This school has lenient rules.
If supervision is lenient, fraud is likely to occur.
Means 'half-hearted' or 'not thorough enough'. Implies a lack of strictness that is seen as a weakness or inadequacy.
Such a lenient approach won't solve the problem.
Describing a punishment, penalty, or sentence that is less severe than expected.
Literally 'light', used for punishments or sentences that are not severe.
He got off with a lenient punishment.
The sentence was more lenient than expected.
A 'lenient sentence' in a legal context, literally 'warm-hearted judgment'. Used in news or formal discussion.
To overlook or be lenient about a mistake or minor offense; to let it slide.
Describing a style of raising children or teaching that is not strict and allows freedom.
甘い often carries a slightly negative nuance of being too soft or indulgent, while 寛大な is more positive, implying generosity and tolerance. Use 甘い for everyday situations like grading or discipline; use 寛大な for formal or admirable leniency.
There is no common katakana word for 'lenient'. Always use a native Japanese word or phrase depending on context.
The judge gave a lenient sentence to the defendant.
Since it's your first time, I'll be lenient.
His parents are lenient (hands-off).