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:

私の夫はとても優しいです。

Watashi no otto wa totemo yasashii desu

My husband is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 夫 - noun meaning "husband"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
• です - a verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of expressing oneself in Japanese

私の母はとても優しいです。

Watashi no haha wa totemo yasashii desu

My mother is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 母 - noun meaning "mother"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "my mother"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
• です - verb that indicates the state or action, in this case, "is" or "are"

私の祖母はとても優しい人です。

Watashi no sobo wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandmother is a very kind person.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 祖母 - "Grandfather"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - verb that indicates the state or action, equivalent to "to be" or "to stay"

私の父親はとても優しい人です。

Watashi no chichioya wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My father is a very kind person.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 父親 - noun that means "father"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - verb that indicates the state or condition, equivalent to "is"