傾らか

なだらか

gradual, gentle

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"傾らか" (なだらか) describes something that is gently sloping or gradual, often used for physical slopes like hills or roads, but also for smooth curves or gentle transitions.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used in everyday conversation when describing landscapes, paths, or any surface that is not steep. It conveys ease and smoothness, implying something is easy to traverse or visually pleasing.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 傾らかな坂 (なだらかなさか): gentle slope, used when describing hills or roads.
  • 傾らかな曲線 (なだらかなきょくせん): gentle curve, often in design or nature.
  • 傾らかに続く (なだらかにつづく): to continue gently, used for describing gradual changes or stretches.

Register and Nuance

This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is descriptive and does not carry emotional connotations.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "傾らか" with steeper slope words like "急な" (steep). Remember, "傾らか" always implies a gentle, easy slope or curve, not a sharp or sudden incline.

Example Sentences

このやまのしゃめんはなだらかでのぼりやすい。

The slope of this mountain is gentle and easy to climb.

なだらかなさかみちをじてんしゃでくだった。

I went down a gentle slope on my bicycle.

なだらかなきょくせんがうつくしいデザインだ。

The gentle curve is a beautiful design.