Translation and Meaning of: 優しい - yasashii

The Japanese word 「優しい」 (yasashii) is widely used to describe a gentle or kind personality. Etymologically, 「優しい」 is composed of kanji characters where 「優」 can also be read as "superior" or "excellent," indicating a higher level of softness or gentleness. Linguistically, this expression is often used to describe someone who has a loving and compassionate nature, whether in daily interactions or in more permanent personality traits.

The origin of this word dates back to the Heian period, when personal and behavioral characteristics began to be frequently recorded in Japanese literature. During this time, kindness and grace were highly valued qualities in the aristocracy, and the word 「優しい」 began to be used to describe people who exhibited these traits. Through the centuries, the term remained popular, maintaining its timeless meaning of affection and kindness.

The word 「優しい」 can be used in various contexts, expanding its use through variations and synonyms that also convey nuances of kindness and affection. Some contexts where this word may appear include:

• "He is kind when helping others."
• Characterize a person's temperament: "She has a kind heart."
• Appreciate the softness of something: "Her voice is soft and soothing."

The use of 「優しい」 transcends social contexts, influencing not only everyday vocabulary but also Japanese popular culture, literature, and art. The term remains a pillar in the description of kindness and empathy, highlighting the importance of these qualities in society throughout history.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• やさしい (yasashii) - Kind, friendly
• 優美な (yubi na) - Funny, elegant
• 慈しむ (itoshimu) - Love, take care lovingly
• 慈愛深い (jiai fukai) - Deeply loving
• 慈悲深い (jihi fukai) - Profoundly merciful
• 親切な (shinsetsu na) - Friendly, attentive
• 心優しい (kokoro yasashii) - Gentle heart
• 柔らかい (yawarakai) - soft, smooth
• 和やかな (nagoyaka na) - Calm, harmonious
• 穏やかな (odayaka na) - Calm, serene
• 優雅な (yūga na) - elegant, refined
• 優秀な (yūshū na) - excellent, remarkable
• 優れた (sugureta) - Superb, outstanding
• 優位な (yūi na) - Superiority, advantage

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優しい

Romaji: yasashii
Kana: やさしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: suit; kind; kind; graceful; affectionate; kind

Meaning in English: tender;kind;gentle;graceful;affectionate;amiable;suave

Definition: Treat others and things with compassion and love.

Example Sentences - (優しい) yasashii

See below some example sentences:

私の祖父はとても優しい人です。

Watashi no sofu wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandfather is a very kind person.

My grandfather is a very kind person.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my"
• 祖父 - "Grandfather"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "as for my grandfather"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - verb indicating the polite form of the present, in this case, "is"

奥さんはとても優しいです。

Okusan wa totemo yasashii desu

The wife is very kind.

My wife is very kind.

• 奥さん (okusan) - wife
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 優しい (yasashii) - Kind, friendly
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

伯母さんはとても優しい人です。

Obasan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My aunt is a very kind person.

Tia is a very kind person.

• 伯母さん - aunt (in Japanese)
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - Kind, friendly
• 人 - person
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

お姉さんはとても優しい人です。

Oneesan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

The older sister is a very kind person.

Your sister is a very kind person.

• お姉さん - honorific for "big sister"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

お兄さんはとても優しい人です。

Oniisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My older brother is a very kind person.

Your brother is a very kind person.

• お兄さん - Older brother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - kind
• 人 - person
• です - verb to be in the polite form

お祖母さんはとても優しい人です。

Obaasan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandmother is a very kind person.

• お祖母さん - grandmother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - kind
• 人 - person
• です - Ser/estar (linking verb)

お祖父さんはとても優しい人です。

Ojiisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandfather is a very kind person.

• お祖父さん - Grandmother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - kind
• 人 - person
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

優しい人は素晴らしいです。

Yasashii hito wa subarashii desu

Kind people are wonderful.

• 優しい - Kind, friendly
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい - wonderful, splendid
• です - Verb ser/estar in the formal present tense

彼はとても優しい人です。

Kare wa totemo yasashii hito desu

He is a very kind person.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very
• 優しい (yasashii) - kind
• 人 (hito) - Person
• です (desu) - Verb to be in the polite form

彼女は私に対して優しいです。

Kanojo wa watashi ni taishite yasashii desu

She is kind to me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She (female)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私に対して (watashi ni taishite) - in relation to me
• 優しいです (yasashii desu) - is kind