Translation guide
The English word "tolerant" covers several distinct meanings: being open-minded and accepting of differences, having physical endurance, and being lenient or permissive. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing a person or attitude that is accepting of different opinions, beliefs, or behaviors, especially in social or cultural contexts.
The most direct and common translation for "tolerant" in the sense of being open-minded and accepting. It implies a generous, forgiving attitude toward others' differences.
He is tolerant of different opinions.
It is important to build a tolerant society.
Literally "broad-minded." A common, natural way to describe someone who is tolerant and accepting. Often used in casual conversation.
She is tolerant, so she can get along with anyone.
Means "to accept." Often used to describe a tolerant attitude toward differences, especially when actively embracing diversity.
A tolerant attitude that accepts diversity is required.
Refers to the capacity to be tolerant and accepting, often implying emotional maturity and the ability to embrace others' flaws. More abstract and less common in daily speech.
I am always impressed by his tolerance (capacity to accept others).
Describing the ability to withstand physical conditions, such as pain, heat, cold, or a substance, without being harmed.
Means "tolerance" or "resistance" in a physical or biological sense. Commonly used for drug tolerance, heat tolerance, etc.
This bacterium is tolerant to antibiotics.
Verb meaning "to endure" or "to withstand." Used in phrases like "heat-tolerant" (暑さに耐える).
Describing a person, rule, or system that allows behavior others might disapprove of, often implying a lack of strictness.
Means "lenient" or "generous" in judgment. Often used for a tolerant attitude toward mistakes or rule-breaking.
The judge gave a tolerant (lenient) sentence to the first-time offender.
Literally "sweet," but often means "soft" or "lenient" in a slightly negative sense. Implies being too tolerant or indulgent.
Idiom meaning "to overlook" or "to tolerate" (a fault). Commonly used when someone chooses not to punish or criticize a minor wrongdoing.
I'll be tolerant just this once.
寛容 (かんよう) is about accepting differences in people or ideas (open-mindedness), while 寛大 (かんだい) is about being generous and lenient in judgment or punishment. Use 寛容 for social tolerance and 寛大 for forgiving mistakes.
Avoid directly translating "tolerant" as トレラント (toreranto), which is a loanword rarely used outside technical contexts. Also, 我慢強い (がまんづよい) only applies to enduring physical discomfort, not to social tolerance.
暑さに対する耐性を高めるトレーニング。
Training to increase heat tolerance.
Describes a person who is patient and can endure discomfort or pain. Closer to "stoic" or "patient" but often used where English would say "tolerant of pain."
He is tolerant of pain.
この植物は乾燥に耐える。
This plant is tolerant of drought.
彼は部下の失敗に寛大だ。
He is tolerant of his subordinates' mistakes.
That teacher is tolerant of tardiness.