Meaning and Usage
The word 親切 (しんせつ) means "kindness" or "being kind". It is often used to describe a person's friendly and helpful attitude toward others. It can be used both as a noun and as a na-adjective.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear 親切 used when talking about someone's behavior, such as being helpful, polite, or considerate. For example, when someone helps you or gives you clear instructions, you can describe their attitude as 親切.
Collocations and Patterns
- 親切な人 (しんせつなひと): a kind person
- 親切に教える (しんせつにおしえる): to teach kindly
- 親切な対応 (しんせつなたいおう): kind response or treatment
These phrases are common in everyday conversation and polite speech.
Register and Politeness
親切 is a polite and positive word suitable for both casual and formal situations. It is often used in customer service contexts to praise helpful staff.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 親切 (kindness) with 優しい (やさしい), which also means "kind" but emphasizes gentleness or tenderness more. 親切 focuses on helpfulness and consideration, so use it when highlighting someone's helpful actions or attitude.