1.
faintly, slightly
To a very slight degree; having just a trace of something. Often describes subtle colors, scents, or sensations.
Usage: ほんのり describes subtle, gentle degrees of sensory experiences - colors, scents, temperatures, or tastes. It has a soft, delicate nuance.
Common patterns
- ほんのり赤い (faintly red)
- ほんのり甘い (slightly sweet)
- ほんのり暖かい (slightly warm)
- ほんのり明るい (faintly bright)
- ほんのり香る (to have a faint fragrance)
Similar words
- うっすら: Faintly, dimly (often visual)
- かすかに: Faintly, barely (more general)
- ほんのり: Slightly, just a hint (pleasant, soft quality)
Nuance: ほんのり often conveys a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing quality of subtlety.