Translation guide
Describes a person who is generous, kind, and forgiving; often implies a broad-minded and magnanimous character.
To describe someone who is naturally generous, warm, and kind-hearted.
Literally 'heart is wide', this is the most common and natural way to say someone is big-hearted, generous, and tolerant.
彼は心が広い人だ。
He is a big-hearted person.
心が広いから、誰とでも仲良くなれる。
Because she's big-hearted, she can get along with anyone.
To describe someone who easily forgives others and doesn't hold grudges.
Again, the go-to phrase. It covers both general kindness and the ability to forgive.
彼は心が広いから、失敗を許してくれた。
He's big-hearted, so he forgave my mistake.
To emphasize the emotional warmth and caring aspect of being big-hearted.
Means 'warm-hearted'. It focuses on kindness and compassion rather than just generosity.
彼女は心が温かい人で、いつも周りを笑顔にする。
She's a big-hearted (warm-hearted) person who always makes people around her smile.
心が広い is the most versatile and natural for 'big-hearted' in the sense of generous spirit and tolerance. 寛大 is more formal and often used in written language or official contexts. 気前がいい specifically refers to material generosity, like spending money freely.
Avoid directly translating 'big-hearted' as 大きい心 (ōkii kokoro). While understandable, it's not idiomatic. Use 心が広い instead.
Means 'generous' or 'magnanimous', often used in more formal contexts or to emphasize forgiveness and tolerance.
彼の寛大な態度に感謝している。
I'm grateful for his big-hearted attitude.
Specifically refers to generosity with money or material things, like being a big spender or giving freely.
彼女は気前がいいから、よくごちそうしてくれる。
She's so big-hearted that she often treats us to meals.
Colloquial term for 'big-hearted' or 'generous', often implying a willingness to spend money or overlook faults. Can sound a bit rough or masculine.
太っ腹な社長だね。
What a big-hearted boss!
Means 'tolerant' or 'forgiving', emphasizing acceptance of others' differences or mistakes. Slightly formal.
寛容な心を持ちたい。
I want to have a big-hearted (tolerant) spirit.
Literally 'capacity is large', meaning magnanimous or broad-minded. Often used to describe leaders or respected figures.
彼の度量の大きさには感服する。
I admire his big-heartedness (magnanimity).
Means 'compassionate' or 'merciful', often used for someone who shows deep sympathy and kindness.
情け深い行いに心を打たれた。
I was touched by his big-hearted (compassionate) act.