Japanese word

親切

Pronunciation

Romajishinsetsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectivekind

Example

先生は親切です。sen sei wa shin setsu de su

The teacher is kind.

Illustration for 親切 (kind)

More examples

親切な店員が、重い荷物を運んでくれました。shin setsu na ten in ga omo i ni motsu o hako n de ku re ma shi ta

A kind clerk carried my heavy bag for me.

Core concept

Describes care for another person that appears in thoughtful words, actions, or help.

Common phrases

  • 親切な人shin setsu na hito

    kind person

  • 親切な店員shin setsu na ten in

    kind clerk

  • 親切に説明するshin setsu ni setsu mei su ru

    explain kindly

Similar words

優しいyasashii: Shows care for others through a gentle nature or helpful actions.
親身shinmi: Offers personal care and support with deep concern for someone.
細やかkomayaka: Responds to small needs with careful attention.

Definition in Japanese

他人に対して思いやりがあり、助力や心配りを惜しまないさま。ta nin ni tai shi te omo i ya ri ga a ri jo ryoku ya kokoro kuba ri o o shi ma na i sa ma

Word origin

親切 (shinsetsu, "kind") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 親 (shin, "close") and 切 (setsu, "earnest"), whose combination conveys heartfelt concern.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 親切 (shinsetsu, "kind") can describe both a person's caring nature and a helpful action toward someone else.

Other meanings

  • friendlyna-adjective
  • consideratena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 親切さshinsetsusakindnessnoun

Word lists with this word