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
緩やか
ゆるやか (yuruyaka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gentle" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 温厚 and 緩やか.
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, 緩やか (ゆるやか (yuruyaka)) maps to "gentle, loose, slack, gradual, lenient, slow" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that is not steep, not strict, not fast, or not tight. Often implies a gentle or gradual quality.. 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 "緩やか"
この坂道は勾配が緩やかで、自転車でも登りやすい。
This slope is gentle and easy to climb even by bicycle.
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.". "緩やか" represents "gentle, loose, slack, gradual, lenient, slow".