Translation guide
Expressing kindness toward someone or something in Japanese. The most natural way depends on whether you are describing a general trait, giving advice, or talking about a specific action.
Describing someone as kind in general, or saying that someone is kind to others.
The most common adjective meaning 'kind', 'gentle', or 'sweet'. Use 〜に優しい to say 'kind to (someone/something)'.
彼は誰にでも優しい。
He is kind to everyone.
もっと自分に優しくなりたい。
I want to be kinder to myself.
Means 'kind' in the sense of helpful, considerate, or doing good deeds. Often used for acts of kindness.
彼女はとても親切だ。
She is very kind.
知らない人に親切にするのは大切だ。
It's important to be kind to strangers.
Telling someone to be kind to a person, animal, or thing.
Casual request/advice meaning 'be kind to ~'. The 〜 marks the target of kindness.
弟に優しくしてね。
Be kind to your little brother.
動物には優しくしてください。
Please be kind to animals.
Similar to above but emphasizes helpful actions rather than general gentleness.
お年寄りに親切にしましょう。
Let's be kind to the elderly.
Saying something is 'kind to' the environment, skin, etc.
Used for products or actions that are 'gentle on' or 'kind to' something. Very common in advertising.
この洗剤は環境に優しい。
This detergent is kind to the environment.
肌に優しい化粧品を探しています。
I'm looking for cosmetics that are kind to the skin.