Translation guide
The English word 'mild' covers a range of meanings from gentle weather and flavors to soft personalities and lenient judgments. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
Describing weather or climate that is pleasantly warm, not extreme.
The most common and versatile word for mild weather, also used for calm seas and gentle personalities.
The weather is mild today, isn't it?
This region is mild even in winter.
Often used in formal or written contexts, especially for climate descriptions.
This country is blessed with a mild climate.
Similar to 温暖 but can also describe a mild personality. Less common for weather.
I want to live in a place with a mild climate.
Describing food or drink that is not spicy, hot, or strongly flavored.
A direct loanword from English, commonly used for mild taste, especially in coffee, curry, and cigarettes.
This curry is mild and even children can eat it.
Literally 'not spicy'. A simple, clear way to say mild in terms of heat.
Please give me a mild (not spicy) curry.
Describes light, not heavy or greasy flavors. Often used for soups or ramen.
I want to eat mild (light) ramen.
Means 'smooth on the palate', often used for mild, easy-to-drink alcohol or soft textures.
Describing a person who is kind, gentle, and not aggressive.
Used for a calm, gentle personality. Very common.
He has a mild personality and is liked by everyone.
Means 'kind' or 'gentle'. Often overlaps with 'mild' when describing a person's nature.
Describes a calm, easygoing, and somewhat slow-paced personality. Often positive.
I like people with a mild (easygoing) personality.
Describing a punishment, judgment, or rule that is lenient or not harsh.
Literally 'light'. Used for mild punishment, symptoms, or criticism.
He got off with a mild punishment.
It's just a mild cold, so don't worry.
Means 'lenient' or 'generous'. Used for mild judgments or treatment.
The judge handed down a mild sentence.
Literally 'lukewarm'. Can imply a half-hearted or overly lenient attitude, sometimes negative.
Can carry a negative nuance of being insufficiently strict.
Describing something that is not powerful or extreme in its effect, such as a mild detergent, mild symptoms, or a mild drug.
Means 'low irritation'. Common for mild soaps, shampoos, or skincare products.
This detergent is mild on the skin.
Means 'weak'. Used for mild drugs, alcohol, or effects.
Formal term meaning 'mild' or 'slight', often used in medical contexts.
He was diagnosed with mild depression.
Describing someone who is moderate, not radical or extreme in their actions or opinions.
穏やか (odayaka) is a native Japanese word used for weather, personality, and calmness. マイルド (mairudo) is a loanword primarily used for taste, flavor, and sometimes personality in a modern context. Do not use マイルド for weather.
While マイルド can sometimes describe a person's character (e.g., マイルドな性格), it is less natural than 穏やか or 優しい. Overusing マイルド for people may sound like a direct translation from English.
The weather is mild today.
I prefer mild curry.
He has a mild personality.
This soap is mild on the skin.
肌に優しい (hada ni yasashii) literally 'gentle to the skin' is a common phrase for mild products.
I like mild-flavored coffee.
This sake is mild and easy to drink.
彼女は優しくて、怒ったところを見たことがない。
She is mild (gentle) and I've never seen her angry.
A mild (half-hearted) response won't solve the problem.
Let's try a mild medicine first.
It's a mild-mannered dog, so it's safe even with children.