Translation guide
The English adverb 'gently' covers a range of meanings from physical softness and careful handling to mildness in manner or speech. Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
Describing how an action is performed with lightness, care, or without force.
Adverb meaning softly, quietly, or carefully, often used for physical actions like touching, placing, or moving something without force.
彼女は赤ちゃんをそっと抱き上げた。
She gently picked up the baby.
ドアをそっと閉めてください。
Please close the door gently.
Adverbial form of 優しい (kind, tender). Implies gentleness with warmth or affection, often used for touching, holding, or speaking.
彼は犬を優しく撫でた。
He gently stroked the dog.
Adverbial form of 静か (quiet). Used when 'gently' implies quietly or without noise, such as closing a door or moving silently.
彼は静かに部屋に入った。
He entered the room gently (quietly).
Describing something that happens slowly, not abruptly, or with low intensity.
Adverb meaning slowly or at a relaxed pace. Often used for gradual actions like heating, walking, or speaking.
スープをゆっくり温めてください。
Please heat the soup gently (slowly).
坂道をゆっくり下った。
We went down the slope gently (slowly).
Adverb meaning gradually or little by little. More formal than ゆっくり, often used in written instructions or descriptions.
Phrase meaning 'on low heat'. Specifically used in cooking contexts when 'gently' refers to low heat.
弱火で10分煮てください。
Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Describing a way of speaking or acting that is kind, considerate, and not harsh.
Adverbial form of 優しい. The most common way to say 'gently' when referring to kind words or actions.
彼は優しく「大丈夫だよ」と言った。
He gently said, 'It's okay.'
先生は生徒に優しく接した。
The teacher treated the students gently (kindly).
Adverbial form of 穏やか (calm, mild). Implies a gentle, peaceful manner, often used for tone of voice or demeanor.
彼女は穏やかに話し始めた。
She began to speak gently (calmly).
Adverbial form of 柔らかい (soft). Can describe a gentle, soft manner of speaking, but less common than 優しく.
彼は柔らかく注意した。
He gently cautioned (them).
Describing a slight incline or curve that is not steep or sharp.
Na-adjective meaning gentle, gradual, or mild. Commonly used for slopes, curves, or changes.
この道は緩やかなカーブが続く。
This road has gentle curves.
緩やかな坂を登った。
We climbed a gentle slope.
Na-adjective specifically for gentle slopes or inclines. Slightly more descriptive than 緩やかな.
なだらかな丘が広がっている。
Gentle hills stretch out.
While 優しく can mean 'gently', it carries a nuance of kindness or tenderness. For purely physical carefulness without emotional warmth, そっと is often better. For gradual processes, use ゆっくり or 徐々に.
そっと置いてください。
Please put it down gently.
そっと emphasizes carefulness and lack of force, while ゆっくり emphasizes slowness. When closing a door quietly, そっと is natural; when heating soup slowly, ゆっくり is natural.
ドアをそっと閉める。
Close the door gently (carefully/quietly).
スープをゆっくり温める。
Heat the soup gently (slowly).
Please increase the temperature gently (gradually).