Translation guide
The English word "tender" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: gentle/caring, sore/painful, soft/easy to chew, and a formal offer. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
Describing a person, action, or feeling that is gentle, loving, or kind.
The most common and versatile word for 'gentle', 'kind', or 'tender'. Can describe a person's character, a smile, a touch, etc.
彼はとても優しい人です。
He is a very tender/kind person.
彼女の優しい笑顔に癒された。
I was soothed by her tender smile.
Literally 'filled with love/affection'. Used for actions or words that are tender and loving.
彼は愛情のこもったまなざしで子供を見つめた。
He gazed at the child with a tender look.
A verb meaning 'to love tenderly' or 'to cherish'. Often used in literary or emotional contexts.
母は赤ん坊を慈しむように抱きしめた。
The mother hugged the baby tenderly.
Describing a part of the body that hurts when touched or pressed.
The general word for 'painful' or 'sore'. Can be used for any kind of pain, including tenderness.
肩が痛くて触れない。
My shoulder is tender and I can't touch it.
Literally 'painful when touched'. A clear way to express tenderness.
打撲したところが触ると痛い。
The bruise is tender to the touch.
Medical term for 'tenderness' (pain upon pressure). Used in clinical contexts.
Describing food, especially meat, that is not tough and is easy to cut or chew.
The standard word for 'soft' or 'tender' for food, materials, etc.
このステーキはとても柔らかい。
This steak is very tender.
Literally 'has no chewiness'. Implies the food is so tender it offers no resistance.
この肉は歯ごたえがなくて、すぐに飲み込める。
This meat is so tender you can swallow it right away.
A formal offer to do something or provide something, especially in business or legal contexts.
A 'bid' or 'tender' in the context of a contract or auction. The most direct equivalent for business tenders.
その会社はプロジェクトの入札に参加した。
The company submitted a tender for the project.
A general word for 'proposal' or 'offer'. Can be used in less formal contexts.
In Japanese, '優しい' (gentle) and '柔らかい' (soft) are completely different words. Using one for the other will cause confusion. Always check the context.
彼は優しい人です。
He is a tender (kind) person.
この肉は柔らかいです。
This meat is tender (soft).
Both read as 'やわらかい'. '柔らかい' is the standard for softness in general, including food, while '軟らかい' is sometimes used for flexible or pliable objects. For food tenderness, '柔らかい' is preferred.
彼女は彼に優しいキスをした。
She gave him a tender kiss.
運動の後、筋肉が痛い。
My muscles are tender after the workout.
鶏肉は骨から外れるほど柔らかかった。
The chicken was so tender it fell off the bone.
腹部に圧痛があります。
There is tenderness in the abdomen.
彼は新しい計画の提案を提出した。
He submitted a tender for the new plan.