Translation guide
The English word "tender" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: gentle/caring, sore/painful, soft/easy to chew, and a formal offer. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
Describing a person, action, or feeling that is gentle, loving, or kind.
The most common and versatile word for 'gentle', 'kind', or 'tender'. Can describe a person's character, a smile, a touch, etc.
He is a very tender/kind person.
I was soothed by her tender smile.
Literally 'filled with love/affection'. Used for actions or words that are tender and loving.
He gazed at the child with a tender look.
A verb meaning 'to love tenderly' or 'to cherish'. Often used in literary or emotional contexts.
The mother hugged the baby tenderly.
Describing a part of the body that hurts when touched or pressed.
The general word for 'painful' or 'sore'. Can be used for any kind of pain, including tenderness.
My shoulder is tender and I can't touch it.
Literally 'painful when touched'. A clear way to express tenderness.
The bruise is tender to the touch.
Medical term for 'tenderness' (pain upon pressure). Used in clinical contexts.
Describing food, especially meat, that is not tough and is easy to cut or chew.
A formal offer to do something or provide something, especially in business or legal contexts.
A 'bid' or 'tender' in the context of a contract or auction. The most direct equivalent for business tenders.
The company submitted a tender for the project.
A general word for 'proposal' or 'offer'. Can be used in less formal contexts.
In Japanese, '優しい' (gentle) and '柔らかい' (soft) are completely different words. Using one for the other will cause confusion. Always check the context.
He is a tender (kind) person.
This meat is tender (soft).
Both read as 'やわらかい'. '柔らかい' is the standard for softness in general, including food, while '軟らかい' is sometimes used for flexible or pliable objects. For food tenderness, '柔らかい' is preferred.
She gave him a tender kiss.
My muscles are tender after the workout.
The chicken was so tender it fell off the bone.
腹部に圧痛があります。
There is tenderness in the abdomen.
This meat is so tender you can swallow it right away.
彼は新しい計画の提案を提出した。
He submitted a tender for the new plan.