手ぬるい
てぬるい
i-adjective
too lenient; too soft; lax; halfhearted
Conjugation
| Affirmative | Negative | |
|---|---|---|
| Present | 手ぬるい | 手ぬるくない |
| Past | 手ぬるかった | 手ぬるくなかった |
| て form | 手ぬるくて | 手ぬるくなくて |
| Adverbial | 手ぬるく | — |
| Conditional ば | 手ぬるければ | 手ぬるくなければ |
| Conditional たら | 手ぬるかったら | 手ぬるくなかったら |
1.
too lenient; too soft; lax; halfhearted; insufficient
Describing an action, response, or measure that is not strict or thorough enough to achieve the desired result. Implies criticism that more firmness or effort is needed.
対応が手ぬるい。
The response is too lenient.
そんな手ぬるいやり方では通用しない。
Such a halfhearted approach won't work.
政府の対策は手ぬるいと批判されている。
The government's measures are being criticized as too lax.
Literally "hand-lukewarm" — from 手 (hand, manner of doing) + ぬるい (lukewarm). The image is of something done in a tepid, uncommitted way. Always carries a critical or disapproving tone.
USAGE:
Used to criticize actions, policies, punishments, or efforts that fall short. Common in political commentary, workplace criticism, and sports contexts. The kanji form 手温い is rarely used; hiragana or mixed writing is standard.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手ぬるい対応 — lax response
- 手ぬるい処分 — lenient punishment
- 手ぬるい対策 — insufficient measures
- 手ぬるいやり方 — halfhearted approach
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 甘い — lenient, soft (broader; can be positive or negative)
- 生ぬるい — lukewarm, wishy-washy (similar criticism but focuses on lack of commitment)
- ぬるい — lukewarm (literal temperature; also used figuratively for lack of intensity)