Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gentle" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gentle", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
なだらか
なだらか (nadaraka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
温厚
おんこう (onkou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gentle" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なだらか and 温厚.
In Japanese, なだらか (なだらか (nadaraka)) is typically associated with "gentle (slope), smooth, gradual" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a gentle, smooth slope or curve, without steepness or abrupt changes. Can also refer to a smooth progression or transition..
On the other hand, 温厚 (おんこう (onkou)) maps to "gentle; mild-mannered; amiable" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 人の性格や態度が穏やかで、優しく、親しみやすい様子を表す形容動詞です。/ An adjectival noun describing a person's character or attitude as calm, kind, and approachable.. A literal translation of "gentle" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "なだらか"
その山はなだらかな坂が続いていた。
That mountain had a gentle slope continuing for a while.
Bilingual Context for "温厚"
彼は温厚な人柄で、誰からも慕われている。
He has a gentle personality and is loved by everyone.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その山は ＿＿＿ な坂が続いていた。" (Meaning: "That mountain had a gentle slope continuing for a while.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なだらか" fits here because it means "gentle (slope), smooth, gradual" in the context of: "That mountain had a gentle slope continuing for a while.". "温厚" represents "gentle; mild-mannered; amiable".