Translation guide
The English adverb "softly" describes doing something in a gentle, quiet, or mild manner. It can refer to sound, touch, light, or manner. Japanese expresses this concept through various adverbs and mimetic words, depending on the specific nuance.
To speak, sing, or make a sound quietly and gently, without loudness.
An adverb meaning gently, quietly, or softly. Often used for actions done carefully or without making noise. Can also imply doing something secretly.
She whispered softly.
The adverbial form of 静か (quiet). Means quietly, softly, or calmly. Used for sounds, voices, or actions.
Please speak softly.
Literally 'in a small voice'. Used specifically for speaking softly or in a low voice.
Let's talk softly.
To touch, press, or handle something gently, without force.
Also used for gentle physical contact. Implies careful, light touch.
Describing light or color that is not harsh or bright; gentle and diffused.
Describing something physically soft to the touch, like fabric or fur.
To do something in a gentle, mild, or non-aggressive way.
Adverbial form of 穏やか (calm, gentle, mild). Used for weather, personality, or manner.
そっと emphasizes gentleness and care, often with a nuance of doing something quietly or secretly. 静かに simply means quietly, without noise. For 'speak softly', 静かに話す is neutral, while そっと話す implies a more intimate or secretive tone.
Please speak softly (don't be loud).
She spoke so softly I could barely hear her.
Please close the door softly.
彼は静かに歌った。
He sang softly.
He softly held her hand.
She softly picked up the baby.
Adverbial form of 優しい (gentle, tender). Means gently, softly, kindly. Often used for touch or handling.
He softly stroked the dog.
Mimetic word for something soft and light, like a soft touch or fluffy texture. Can describe a soft, gentle manner.
She placed her hand softly on his shoulder.
Adjective meaning soft, gentle, mild. Used for light, color, or atmosphere. Adverbial form is 柔らかく.
The room was filled with soft light.
a painting with soft colors
Pre-noun adjectival meaning faint, dim, soft. Often used for light or scent.
A soft light was shining.
The most common word for soft texture. Can be used for objects, food, etc.
This towel is very soft.
Mimetic word for fluffy, soft, and light. Often used for pillows, bread, animals.
a soft blanket
He smiled softly.
He spoke softly into her ear.
The English loanword ソフト (sofuto) is used for 'software' or 'soft serve ice cream', but not usually for 'softly' as an adverb. Using ソフトに for 'softly' can sound unnatural. Stick to native Japanese adverbs.
風が木々の間をそっと吹き抜けた。
The wind blew softly through the trees.