Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gentle" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gentle", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
温厚
おんこう (onkou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
和魂
にぎみたま (nigimitama)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gentle" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 温厚 and 和魂.
In Japanese, 温厚 (おんこう (onkou)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 和魂 (にぎみたま (nigimitama)) maps to "gentle or peaceful spirit of a kami" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "gentle" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "和魂"
私は和魂に興味があります。
I am interested in gentle or peaceful spirit of a kami.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ な人柄で、誰からも慕われている。" (Meaning: "He has a gentle personality and is loved by everyone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "温厚" fits here because it means "gentle; mild-mannered; amiable" in the context of: "He has a gentle personality and is loved by everyone.". "和魂" represents "gentle or peaceful spirit of a kami".