生(なま)ぬるい

なまぬるい
i-adjective
lukewarm; halfhearted; lenient
1. lukewarm (temperature)
Neither hot nor cold; tepid.
コーヒーが生(なま)ぬるい。
The coffee is lukewarm.
2. halfhearted; lenient; soft
Lacking intensity, strictness, or conviction; too easygoing.
生(なま)ぬるい対応(たいおう)では問題(もんだい)は解決(かいけつ)しない。
Halfhearted measures won't solve the problem.
そんな生(なま)ぬるいことを言(い)っている場合(ばあい)ではない。
This is no time for such half-measures.

WORD FORMATION:
生(なま) (raw, half-) + ぬるい (lukewarm) → truly lukewarm

FORMS:

  • 生(なま)ぬるい水(みず) - lukewarm water
  • 生(なま)ぬるい態度(たいど) - halfhearted attitude
  • 生(なま)ぬるさ (noun form) - lukewarmness, halfheartedness

FIGURATIVE USAGE:
The figurative sense (halfhearted, lenient) is very common. Used to criticize responses, policies, or attitudes that lack sufficient strength or conviction.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 生(なま)ぬるい対応(たいおう) - halfhearted response
  • 生(なま)ぬるい処分(しょぶん) - lenient punishment
  • 生(なま)ぬるいことを言(い)う - to say something weak/unconvincing
general
Added 2026.1.19 13:11 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
07000/07314_namanurui