Translation guide
The English word 'mild' covers a range of meanings from gentle weather and flavors to soft personalities and lenient judgments. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
Describing weather or climate that is pleasantly warm, not extreme.
The most common and versatile word for mild weather, also used for calm seas and gentle personalities.
今日は穏やかな天気ですね。
The weather is mild today, isn't it?
この地域は冬でも穏やかです。
This region is mild even in winter.
Often used in formal or written contexts, especially for climate descriptions.
この国は温暖な気候に恵まれている。
This country is blessed with a mild climate.
Similar to 温暖 but can also describe a mild personality. Less common for weather.
温和な気候の土地に住みたい。
I want to live in a place with a mild climate.
Describing food or drink that is not spicy, hot, or strongly flavored.
A direct loanword from English, commonly used for mild taste, especially in coffee, curry, and cigarettes.
このカレーはマイルドで子供でも食べられます。
This curry is mild and even children can eat it.
マイルドな味のコーヒーが好きです。
I like mild-flavored coffee.
Literally 'not spicy'. A simple, clear way to say mild in terms of heat.
辛くないカレーをください。
Please give me a mild (not spicy) curry.
Describes light, not heavy or greasy flavors. Often used for soups or ramen.
あっさりしたラーメンが食べたい。
I want to eat mild (light) ramen.
Means 'smooth on the palate', often used for mild, easy-to-drink alcohol or soft textures.
このお酒は口当たりが良くて飲みやすい。
This sake is mild and easy to drink.
Describing a person who is kind, gentle, and not aggressive.
Used for a calm, gentle personality. Very common.
彼は穏やかな人柄で、誰からも好かれる。
He has a mild personality and is liked by everyone.
Means 'kind' or 'gentle'. Often overlaps with 'mild' when describing a person's nature.
Describes a calm, easygoing, and somewhat slow-paced personality. Often positive.
おっとりした性格の人が好きです。
I like people with a mild (easygoing) personality.
Describing a punishment, judgment, or rule that is lenient or not harsh.
Literally 'light'. Used for mild punishment, symptoms, or criticism.
彼は軽い罰で済んだ。
He got off with a mild punishment.
軽い風邪だから心配しないで。
It's just a mild cold, so don't worry.
Means 'lenient' or 'generous'. Used for mild judgments or treatment.
裁判官は寛大な判決を下した。
The judge handed down a mild sentence.
Literally 'lukewarm'. Can imply a half-hearted or overly lenient attitude, sometimes negative.
Describing something that is not powerful or extreme in its effect, such as a mild detergent, mild symptoms, or a mild drug.
Means 'low irritation'. Common for mild soaps, shampoos, or skincare products.
この洗剤は肌に刺激が少ない。
This detergent is mild on the skin.
Means 'weak'. Used for mild drugs, alcohol, or effects.
弱い薬から試してみましょう。
Let's try a mild medicine first.
Formal term meaning 'mild' or 'slight', often used in medical contexts.
軽度のうつ病と診断された。
He was diagnosed with mild depression.
Describing someone who is moderate, not radical or extreme in their actions or opinions.
Used for moderate political views or a mild-mannered approach.
彼は穏健な意見を持っている。
He holds mild (moderate) opinions.
Means 'quiet' or 'well-behaved'. Often used for mild-mannered children or pets.
大人しい犬なので、子供がいても安心です。
It's a mild-mannered dog, so it's safe even with children.
穏やか (odayaka) is a native Japanese word used for weather, personality, and calmness. マイルド (mairudo) is a loanword primarily used for taste, flavor, and sometimes personality in a modern context. Do not use マイルド for weather.
While マイルド can sometimes describe a person's character (e.g., マイルドな性格), it is less natural than 穏やか or 優しい. Overusing マイルド for people may sound like a direct translation from English.
今日は穏やかな天気です。
The weather is mild today.
私はマイルドなカレーが好きです。
I prefer mild curry.
彼は穏やかな性格です。
He has a mild personality.
この石鹸は肌に優しいです。
This soap is mild on the skin.
肌に優しい (hada ni yasashii) literally 'gentle to the skin' is a common phrase for mild products.
彼女は優しくて、怒ったところを見たことがない。
She is mild (gentle) and I've never seen her angry.
Can carry a negative nuance of being insufficiently strict.
生ぬるい対応では問題は解決しない。
A mild (half-hearted) response won't solve the problem.