Translation guide
Describes something moderately warm, often with a negative nuance of being less warm than desired. Also used figuratively for lack of enthusiasm.
Describing a liquid, food, or bath that is slightly warm, often with a negative nuance of being not hot enough.
Describing a reaction, attitude, or support that is half-hearted or unenthusiastic.
Describing air or weather that is slightly warm, often unpleasantly so.
ぬるい is the general term for lukewarm liquids or objects. 生ぬるい adds emphasis on unpleasantness and is often used figuratively. 生暖かい is specifically for air/weather and implies an uncomfortable warmth.
When describing a 'lukewarm reception' or 'lukewarm support', do not use ぬるい directly without context. 生ぬるい or 熱意のない are better choices.
The most common word for 'lukewarm' when referring to liquids, food, or bathwater. Often carries a negative nuance of being disappointingly not hot enough.
このスープはぬるい。
This soup is lukewarm.
お風呂がぬるくなった。
The bath has gone lukewarm.
Emphasizes the unpleasantness of being lukewarm, often used for liquids or air. Stronger negative nuance than ぬるい.
生ぬるいビールはまずい。
Lukewarm beer tastes bad.
Used figuratively to describe half-hearted attitudes, lenient treatment, or lack of strictness. Often negative.
彼の生ぬるい態度にはがっかりした。
I was disappointed by his lukewarm attitude.
生ぬるい対応では問題は解決しない。
A lukewarm response won't solve the problem.
Can also be used figuratively, but less common than 生ぬるい for this meaning. Implies lack of intensity or strictness.
彼の監督はぬるい。
His supervision is lukewarm (lenient).
Literally 'without enthusiasm', a more direct way to describe a lukewarm reaction. Used in formal or written contexts.
聴衆の反応は熱意のないものだった。
The audience's reaction was lukewarm.
Used for air or wind that is unpleasantly warm, often with a sense of mugginess. Common in weather descriptions.
生暖かい風が吹いている。
A lukewarm wind is blowing.
Can describe air temperature, but less common than 生暖かい for weather. Often implies a disappointing lack of coolness.
エアコンからぬるい風が出てくる。
Lukewarm air is coming out of the air conditioner.