心が広い
心が広い en 30 secondes
- Literally means 'wide heart.'
- Describes a generous, broad-minded, or tolerant person.
- Commonly used as a high compliment for mentors or partners.
- Opposite of 'kokoro ga semai' (narrow-minded/petty).
The phrase 心が広い (Kokoro ga hiroi) is a cornerstone of Japanese interpersonal descriptions, serving as a high compliment for someone's character. Literally translated as 'the heart is wide' or 'having a spacious mind,' it encapsulates the essence of being broad-minded, generous, and tolerant. Unlike simple kindness, which might be expressed through singular acts, having a 'wide heart' suggests a permanent capacity to accept others, forgive mistakes, and remain unperturbed by minor inconveniences or differences in opinion. It is a quality often attributed to mentors, great leaders, and patient parents who do not sweat the small stuff.
- Core Concept
- The metaphor of 'width' implies that there is plenty of room inside the person's soul to house the complexities and flaws of other people without feeling crowded or defensive.
In Japanese culture, where social harmony (Wa) is paramount, being described as someone with a wide heart is a significant endorsement. It suggests that you are not petty (small-hearted) and that you possess the emotional maturity to see the bigger picture. This phrase is used frequently in daily conversation, from praising a boss who didn't get angry over a typo to describing a friend who is always willing to listen to your problems without judgment. It is versatile enough to be used in both formal settings and casual chats among friends.
失敗しても怒らないなんて、本当に心が広いですね。
(To not get angry even when I fail, you really have a big heart.)
- Spiritual Nuance
- There is a subtle connection to the Buddhist idea of 'mushin' or openness, where the self is not so rigid that it clashes with the environment, but rather expands to include it.
Furthermore, the phrase is often used to contrast with its opposite, 心が狭い (kokoro ga semai), which means narrow-minded or petty. By understanding the 'width' of the heart, learners can navigate the emotional landscape of Japanese social interactions more effectively. Whether you are reading a novel where a protagonist shows immense grace or watching a drama where a character is forgiven for a past transgression, you will encounter this phrase as a marker of moral and emotional excellence. It is more than just 'nice'; it is about the scale of one's humanity.
- Social Function
- It acts as a social lubricant, acknowledging the emotional labor someone performs when they choose tolerance over conflict.
彼は誰に対しても心が広いので、みんなに慕われています。
(Because he is broad-minded toward everyone, he is adored by all.)
Grammatically, 心が広い follows the standard Japanese pattern of [Subject] + [Particle が] + [Adjective]. In this case, 'Kokoro' (heart/mind) is the subject of the adjective 'hiroi' (wide/broad). When describing a person, you typically say '[Person] wa kokoro ga hiroi desu.' However, this phrase can be modified in several ways to fit different grammatical contexts, such as using it as a noun modifier or in negative/past forms.
- Noun Modification
- To say 'a broad-minded person,' you can use the phrase as an adjective before the noun: 心が広い人 (kokoro ga hiroi hito). Alternatively, you can replace 'ga' with 'no' for a more literary or cohesive feel: 心の広い人 (kokoro no hiroi hito).
When you want to emphasize the degree of generosity, you can add adverbs like とても (totemo - very), 非常に (hijou ni - extremely), or 驚くほど (odoroku hodo - surprisingly). For example, 'Kanojo wa odoroku hodo kokoro ga hiroi' (She is surprisingly broad-minded). Conversely, to use the negative form, 'hiroi' changes to 'hiroku nai,' though it is more common to simply use the antonym 'semai' (narrow) to describe someone who is petty.
もっと心を広く持って、他人の意見を聞くべきだ。
(You should have a broader heart and listen to others' opinions.)
Note that in the example above, 'hiroku' is the adverbial form used with the verb 'motsu' (to hold/have). This is a common way to give advice or set a personal goal. Instead of just 'being' wide-hearted, you are 'holding' your heart widely. This implies a conscious effort to be tolerant. You will also see this phrase used in the past tense: 'Kokoro ga hirokatta' (was broad-minded), often used when reflecting on someone's past kindness or a specific instance where they showed great restraint.
- Politeness Levels
- Desu/Masu: 心が広いです。
Plain: 心が広い。
Honorific: 心が広くていらっしゃいます (Very formal, describing a superior).
部長は心が広いので、私たちの提案を真剣に検討してくれた。
(Since the manager is broad-minded, he seriously considered our proposal.)
You will encounter 心が広い in a variety of real-life and media contexts. In the workplace, it is a frequent compliment used during performance reviews or casual office talk to describe a supervisor who is approachable and doesn't micromanage. If a subordinate makes a mistake that costs the company money, and the boss says 'Don't worry, just learn from it,' the other employees will likely whisper, 'Ano buchou wa hontou ni kokoro ga hiroi ne' (That manager really has a big heart).
- In Anime and Manga
- This phrase is often used to describe the 'ideal' mentor or the 'gentle giant' character. A character who forgives the villain's past or accepts a troubled newcomer into the group is frequently labeled as 'kokoro ga hiroi.'
In the realm of relationships and dating, 'kokoro ga hiroi' is one of the most desired traits in a partner. On Japanese dating apps or in variety shows where people discuss their 'type,' you will often see 'Kokoro ga hiroi hito' listed alongside 'Yasashii hito' (kind person). While 'yasashii' can be superficial, 'kokoro ga hiroi' implies a deeper level of stability—someone who won't get jealous easily or complain about small habits. It suggests a partner who provides a 'safe space' for the other person to be themselves.
「どんな人がタイプですか?」「心が広い人がいいです。」
("What's your type?" "I like someone who is broad-minded.")
In Japanese news and documentaries, the phrase might be used to describe public figures or philanthropists who demonstrate extraordinary tolerance or charitable spirit. For example, a community leader who welcomes refugees or an artist who accepts harsh criticism with a smile might be described as having a 'wide heart.' It is also used in self-help contexts, where authors encourage readers to 'widen their hearts' to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
- Daily Conversations
- - Apologizing for being late: "I'm so sorry!" "It's okay." "You're so broad-minded!"
- Discussing a friend's personality: "She never gets mad at her noisy neighbors." "She has such a wide heart."
お父さんはいつも心が広いから、何を言っても許してくれる。
(My dad is always so broad-minded, he forgives me no matter what I say.)
While 心が広い is a relatively straightforward phrase, English speakers often make the mistake of using physical adjectives like 大きい (ookii - big) instead of 広い (hiroi - wide). While 'big-hearted' is common in English, 'Kokoro ga ookii' is not the standard expression in Japanese. Although people will understand you, it sounds unnatural. The spatial metaphor in Japanese specifically requires 'width' (area/expanse) rather than 'size' (volume).
- Mistake #1: Using 'Ookii'
- Incorrect: 心が大きい (Kokoro ga ookii)
Correct: 心が広い (Kokoro ga hiroi)
Another common error is confusing 心が広い with 優しい (yasashii). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Yasashii' refers to being kind, gentle, or nice in a general sense. You can be 'yasashii' by helping someone carry their groceries. However, 'kokoro ga hiroi' specifically refers to your capacity for tolerance and forgiveness. A person who is 'yasashii' might still be 'kokoro ga semai' (narrow-minded) if they are kind but easily offended or judgmental of different lifestyles.
× 彼は心が大きい人です。
○ 彼は心が広い人です。
(He is a broad-minded person.)
Learners also sometimes forget that 'hiroi' is an i-adjective. When combining it with other adjectives or verbs, you must follow i-adjective conjugation rules. For example, to say 'broad-minded and kind,' you must use the 'te-form': 心が広くて、優しい (kokoro ga hirokute, yasashii). Saying 'kokoro ga hiroi to yasashii' is a grammatical error.
- Mistake #2: Over-reliance on 'Hiroi'
- Do not use 'hiroi' alone to mean 'generous with money.' For financial generosity, use 気前がいい (kimae ga ii).
× 彼は心が広いから、いつも奢ってくれる。
○ 彼は気前がいいから、いつも奢ってくれる。
(Because he is generous [with money], he always treats me.)
Japanese has several nuanced ways to describe generosity and broad-mindedness. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific type of 'openness' you want to convey. While 心が広い is the most common and versatile, you might encounter these alternatives in literature or professional settings.
- 1. 寛大な (Kandai na)
- This is a more formal, academic, or legal term for 'magnanimous' or 'lenient.' It is often used when an authority figure shows mercy. For example, 'Kandai na shochi' (a lenient measure/punishment).
- 2. 懐が深い (Futokoro ga fukai)
- Literally 'having a deep pocket (inside the kimono).' This idiom describes someone who has great depth of character and can handle various types of people and situations. It suggests a more 'all-encompassing' kind of tolerance than just 'hiroi.'
- 3. 度量が大きい (Doryou ga ookii)
- 'Doryou' refers to one's capacity or 'caliber.' This phrase specifically highlights a person's ability to remain calm and generous under pressure or when facing opposition. It is very common in business and leadership contexts.
When comparing 心が広い to 寛容な (Kanyou na), 'kanyou' is often used in the context of 'tolerance' toward different religions, cultures, or ideologies. It sounds slightly more intellectual and is frequently used in social or political discourse. In contrast, 'kokoro ga hiroi' is the warm, emotional way to describe the same quality in a personal relationship.
彼は懐が深いので、どんな悩み事でも受け止めてくれる。
(Because he has great depth of character, he accepts any kind of worry I have.)
Finally, おおらかな (Ooraka na) is a great alternative for describing someone who is easy-going and big-hearted in a relaxed, non-judgmental way. While 'kokoro ga hiroi' might imply forgiving a specific wrong, 'ooraka' describes a general personality that doesn't get stressed by details. It's often used for people who have a 'sunny' or 'breezy' disposition.
- Summary Table
- - 心が広い: General, warm, common.
- 寛大な: Formal, authoritative, lenient.
- 懐が深い: Deep capacity, mature, versatile.
- 度量が大きい: Leadership caliber, calm under pressure.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
In ancient Japanese literature, 'hiroi' was often used to describe the vastness of the sea or the sky. Applying this to the 'kokoro' creates a powerful image of a person whose inner world is as vast as nature itself.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'hiroi' as 'hero-ee' with a hard English H.
- Over-stressing the 'ga' particle.
- Making the 'o' sounds too long like 'ko-koo-ro'.
- Pronouncing 'r' in 'kokoro' like an English 'r' instead of a Japanese flap.
- Failing to pronounce the final 'i' in 'hiroi' clearly.
Niveau de difficulté
Kanji for heart (心) and wide (広) are basic JLPT N4/N5 level.
Requires knowing the 'ga' particle and i-adjective conjugation.
Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily conversation.
Common phrase that is easy to catch in anime or dramas.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Noun + が + Adjective (A wa B ga C)
彼は心が広い。
I-adjective Te-form for connection
心が広くて、かっこいい。
Ga to No conversion in relative clauses
心の広い人。
Adverbial form (Hiroku)
心を広く持つ。
Conditional form (Hirokereba)
心が広ければ、喧嘩にならない。
Exemples par niveau
田中さんは心が広いです。
Mr. Tanaka is broad-minded.
Standard [Subject] wa [Adjective] structure.
心が広い人は好きです。
I like people who are broad-minded.
Using the phrase to modify the noun 'hito' (person).
先生は心が広いです。
The teacher is generous/patient.
Often used to describe a patient authority figure.
お母さんは心が広いです。
My mother is big-hearted.
Describing a family member's nature.
彼は心が広いですか?
Is he broad-minded?
Question form using 'desu ka'.
心が広くない人は困ります。
Narrow-minded people are a problem.
Negative form of the i-adjective 'hiroi'.
本当に心が広いですね。
You really have a big heart, don't you?
Using 'hontou ni' for emphasis.
心が広い友達がいます。
I have a broad-minded friend.
Modifying 'tomodachi' (friend).
彼は失敗を許してくれる、心が広い人だ。
He is a broad-minded person who forgives failures.
Relative clause 'shippai wo yurushite kureru' modifying 'hito'.
もっと心を広く持ちたいです。
I want to have a broader heart.
Adverbial form 'hiroku' + 'motsu' (to have/hold).
彼女は心が広くて、とても優しい。
She is broad-minded and very kind.
Te-form 'hirokute' to connect two adjectives.
心が広いお父さんに感謝しています。
I am grateful to my broad-minded father.
Using 'ni kansha shiteimasu' (am grateful to).
あの人は心が広いから、怒りません。
Because that person is broad-minded, they don't get angry.
Using 'kara' to show reason.
心が広いというのは、どういう意味ですか?
What does it mean to be 'broad-minded'?
Defining a term using 'to iu no wa'.
彼は心が広いので、みんなに人気があります。
Because he has a big heart, he is popular with everyone.
Using 'node' for a more polite reason.
心が広い人になりたいです。
I want to become a broad-minded person.
Using 'naritai' (want to become).
相手の意見が違っても、心が広い人は受け入れることができます。
Even if the other person's opinion is different, a broad-minded person can accept it.
Using 'temo' (even if) and 'koto ga dekiru' (can do).
部長の心の広い対応に、チーム全員が救われました。
The entire team was saved by the manager's broad-minded response.
Using 'no' instead of 'ga' for noun modification.
彼は心が広いどころか、とても細かいことにうるさい。
Far from being broad-minded, he is very picky about small things.
Using 'dokoro ka' (far from/on the contrary).
心が広い彼なら、きっと君のミスを笑って許してくれるよ。
If it's him, who is broad-minded, I'm sure he'll laugh and forgive your mistake.
Using 'nara' to set a condition/topic.
どうすれば、そんなに心を広く持つことができるのですか?
How can one have such a broad heart?
Using 'dou sureba' (how/what should one do).
彼女の心が広いおかげで、私たちは喧嘩をせずに済みました。
Thanks to her being broad-minded, we managed to avoid a fight.
Using 'okage de' (thanks to).
心が広いと言われるのは、彼にとって最高の名誉だ。
To be called broad-minded is the greatest honor for him.
Passive form 'iwareru' (to be told/called).
どんなに心が広い人でも、これには怒るだろう。
No matter how broad-minded a person is, they would probably get angry at this.
Using 'donna ni... demo' (no matter how...).
多様性を認める社会には、一人ひとりが心を広く持つことが不可欠だ。
In a society that recognizes diversity, it is essential for each individual to be broad-minded.
Using 'fukaketsu' (essential/indispensable).
彼は、自分を批判した相手に対しても心が広い態度を貫いた。
He maintained a broad-minded attitude even toward the person who criticized him.
Using 'ni taishite' (toward) and 'tsuranuita' (maintained/stuck to).
彼の心が広い振る舞いは、周囲の人々に深い感銘を与えた。
His broad-minded behavior left a deep impression on the people around him.
Using 'kanmei wo ataeta' (gave an impression/inspired).
心が広いという言葉だけでは言い表せないほどの包容力がある。
She has a capacity for acceptance that cannot be expressed by the words 'broad-minded' alone.
Using 'dake de wa iiarawasenai' (cannot be fully expressed by just...).
リーダーには、部下の失敗を包み込むような心が広い度量が求められる。
A leader is required to have a broad-minded caliber that can embrace the failures of subordinates.
Using 'motomerareru' (is required/sought).
心が広い振りをしているが、実はかなり執念深い性格だ。
He pretends to be broad-minded, but in reality, he has a very vengeful personality.
Using 'furi wo shiteiru' (pretending to).
若いうちは、もっと心を広く持って様々な価値観に触れるべきだ。
While you are young, you should be more broad-minded and experience various values.
Using 'uchi ni' (while/during) and 'beki da' (should).
彼女の心が広い性格は、厳格な家庭環境で育った反動かもしれない。
Her broad-minded personality might be a reaction to being raised in a strict family environment.
Using 'handou' (reaction/backlash) and 'kamoshirenai' (might be).
彼の言動からは、単なる優しさを超えた、真に心が広い人間の深みが感じられる。
From his words and actions, one can feel the depth of a truly broad-minded human being that transcends mere kindness.
Using 'wo koeta' (transcending) and 'kanjirareru' (can be felt).
異文化理解の根底にあるのは、他者を排斥しない心が広い精神である。
At the root of cross-cultural understanding is a broad-minded spirit that does not exclude others.
Using 'kontei' (root/foundation) and 'haiseki' (exclusion).
政治家には、目先の利益にとらわれず、大局を見渡せる心が広い視野が必要だ。
Politicians need a broad-minded perspective that can overlook immediate interests and see the bigger picture.
Using 'torawarezu' (without being trapped/limited by).
心が広いという美徳は、現代の不寛容な社会においてますます重要性を増している。
The virtue of being broad-minded is becoming increasingly important in today's intolerant society.
Using 'bitoku' (virtue) and 'masumasu' (increasingly).
彼の心が広い対応によって、長年の紛争に終止符が打たれた。
His broad-minded response put an end to years of conflict.
Using 'shuushifu ga utareta' (an end was put to).
心が広いという評価に甘んじることなく、彼は常に自己研鑽に励んでいる。
Without being complacent about his reputation for being broad-minded, he is always striving for self-improvement.
Using 'amanjiru koto naku' (without being satisfied/complacent with).
その小説の主人公は、過酷な運命に翻弄されながらも、最後まで心を広く持ち続けた。
The protagonist of that novel remained broad-minded until the end, despite being at the mercy of a harsh fate.
Using 'honrou sare nagara' (while being trifled with/at the mercy of).
心が広いとは、他者の欠点を単に許容するだけでなく、それをも愛おしむことである。
To be broad-minded is not just to tolerate the faults of others, but to cherish even those faults.
Using 'tanni... dake de naku' (not just... but also).
「心が広い」という表現が内包する空間的メタファーは、日本人の精神構造を如実に物語っている。
The spatial metaphor contained in the expression 'kokoro ga hiroi' clearly tells the story of the Japanese spiritual structure.
Using 'naihou' (connotation/inclusion) and 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly/clearly).
真の叡智とは、森羅万象を慈しみ、すべてを包摂しうる心が広い境地に達することに他ならない。
True wisdom is nothing other than reaching a broad-minded state of mind that can cherish and encompass all things in the universe.
Using 'shinra banshou' (all things in the universe) and 'ni hoka naranai' (nothing other than).
彼の心が広い振る舞いは、作為的なものではなく、長年の修養の結果として滲み出るものである。
His broad-minded behavior is not something contrived, but something that emanates as a result of years of self-discipline.
Using 'sakuiteki' (contrived/artificial) and 'nijimideru' (to emanate/ooze out).
不寛容が蔓延する現代において、心が広いという態度は、ある種の静かな抵抗とも言える。
In an era where intolerance is rampant, a broad-minded attitude can be called a kind of quiet resistance.
Using 'man'en' (rampant/epidemic) and 'aru shu no' (a kind of).
古典文学における「心が広い」人物像は、しばしば世俗の価値観を超越した隠者として描かれる。
The 'broad-minded' character figures in classical literature are often depicted as hermits who have transcended worldly values.
Using 'sezoku' (worldly/secular) and 'chouetsu' (transcendence).
心が広いという概念を多角的に検証すると、そこには自己と他者の境界を曖昧にする志向が見て取れる。
Verifying the concept of being broad-minded from multiple angles, one can discern a tendency to blur the boundaries between self and others.
Using 'takakuteki' (multifaceted) and 'mite toreru' (can be discerned).
彼女の心が広いという評判は、実は彼女の卓越した政治的手腕を隠すための隠れ蓑に過ぎなかった。
Her reputation for being broad-minded was, in fact, nothing more than a cloak to hide her outstanding political skills.
Using 'kakuremino' (cloak/camouflage) and 'ni suginai' (nothing more than).
哲学的な意味での「心が広い」とは、自己の有限性を認め、無限の他者性に対して開かれていることである。
In a philosophical sense, being 'broad-minded' means acknowledging one's own finitude and being open to the infinite otherness.
Using 'yuugensei' (finitude) and 'tashasei' (otherness).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— You are very broad-minded/generous. A common compliment.
そんなことまで許してくれるなんて、心が広いですね。
— Be more broad-minded. Used as advice.
そんなに怒らないで、もっと心を広くして。
— Thanks to (someone's) broad-mindedness.
彼の心が広いおかげで、助かりました。
— I want to become a broad-minded person.
私もあなたのような心が広い人になりたいです。
— To be told/reputed that one is broad-minded.
彼はよく心が広いと言われる。
— Whether or not someone is broad-minded.
彼が本当に心が広いかどうか、試してみよう。
— An aspect of being broad-minded.
彼には心が広い一面もある。
— A broad-minded leader.
心が広いリーダーは尊敬される。
— A broad-minded understanding.
彼の心が広い理解に感謝する。
— Broad-minded tolerance.
社会全体の心が広い許容が必要だ。
Souvent confondu avec
Yasashii is general kindness; Kokoro ga hiroi is specific tolerance.
Kimae ga ii is specifically about money; Kokoro ga hiroi is about character.
Futoppara is a bit more colloquial and can mean daringly generous.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To have a heart as wide as the ocean. Extreme generosity.
彼は海のように心が広い人だ。
Literary/Emphatic— Even the face of a Buddha (very broad-minded person) has a limit (forgiven only three times).
いくら心が広くても、仏の顔も三度までだよ。
Proverb— Often used interchangeably with kokoro ga hiroi but implies more depth and experience.
あの先輩は本当に懐が深い。
Common Idiom— Having a large 'vessel' (capacity for leadership and tolerance).
彼は器が大きいから、小さなミスは気にしない。
Common Idiom— To overlook a mistake; to be lenient.
今回は心が広い彼が大目に見てくれた。
Common Phrase— To close one's eyes to something (overlook a flaw).
心が広い彼は、私の欠点に目をつぶってくれる。
Idiomatic— A magnanimous heart.
寛大な心で接してください。
Formal— The idiom for being petty or narrow-minded.
そんなことで怒るなんて、心が狭いよ。
Common— Variation of doryou ga ookii, emphasizing width/capacity.
彼は度量が広い政治家だ。
Formal— To swallow both the pure and the muddy (to accept both the good and the bad in people).
心が広いリーダーは、清濁併せ呑む度量がある。
LiteraryFacile à confondre
English speakers say 'big-hearted.'
In Japanese, hearts are 'wide' (area), not 'big' (size).
○心が広い ×心が大きい
Both mean generous.
Futokoro ga fukai implies more experience and depth of character.
ベテランの選手は懐が深い。
Both mean tolerant.
Kanyou is a more formal noun/na-adjective often used for society/law.
宗教に対して寛容だ。
Both can mean 'forgiving.'
Amai is often negative, meaning 'too soft' or 'indulgent.'
彼は子供に甘すぎる。
Both mean big-hearted.
Ooraka is more about being relaxed and not worrying about small things.
南国の人はおおらかだ。
Structures de phrases
[Person] は心が広いです。
田中さんは心が広いです。
心が広い [Noun] です。
心が広い先生です。
[Action] なんて、心が広いですね。
許してくれるなんて、心が広いですね。
心を広く持って [Verb]。
心を広く持って接してください。
心が広いというか、[Alternative]。
心が広いというか、おおらかな人だ。
心が広いおかげで [Result]。
心が広いおかげで助かりました。
心が広いという美徳は [Opinion]。
心が広いという美徳は素晴らしい。
心が広いという境地に [Verb]。
心が広いという境地に達する。
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.
-
Using 'Ookii' (big) instead of 'Hiroi' (wide).
→
心が広い (Kokoro ga hiroi).
Japanese uses spatial 'width' to describe heart capacity, whereas English uses 'size.'
-
Saying 'Kokoro ga hiroi desu' to yourself in an interview.
→
心を広く持つように心がけています。
Self-praise is frowned upon; focus on the effort instead.
-
Confusing it with 'Kimae ga ii' (generous with money).
→
気前がいい (Kimae ga ii).
If someone pays for dinner, they are 'kimae ga ii,' not necessarily 'kokoro ga hiroi.'
-
Using 'hiroi' as a na-adjective (e.g., kokoro ga hiro na).
→
心が広い (i-adjective).
Hiroi is a standard i-adjective and must follow i-adjective rules.
-
Using it to describe a physically large heart.
→
心臓が大きい (medical context).
Kokoro refers to the mind/spirit, not the organ.
Astuces
Use for patience
If someone waits for you for an hour without complaining, tell them 'Kokoro ga hiroi desu ne!'
Check the particle
Always use 'ga' or 'no.' Never use 'wo' unless you are using a verb like 'motsu' (to hold).
Humility first
If someone calls you 'kokoro ga hiroi,' reply with 'Iie, tondemo nai desu' (No, not at all) to stay humble.
Pair with Yasashii
They go together like bread and butter: 'Kokoro ga hirokute yasashii.'
Not just 'nice'
Remember it implies a capacity to handle 'negative' things without getting angry.
Intonation
Keep your pitch steady for a natural sound.
Kanji
Make sure to write '心' and '広' correctly; they are very common kanji.
Wide space
Think of a wide room where everyone is welcome.
Vs. Semai
Always remember 'semai' (narrow) as the opposite to help lock in 'hiroi'.
Workplace
It's a great way to build rapport with a boss (if used sincerely).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'Wide Heart' as a big room. A person with a wide heart has plenty of room for you, your mistakes, and your different opinions without feeling 'crowded' or angry.
Association visuelle
Imagine a person standing in a vast, open field with their arms open wide. The field represents their heart—there is room for everything and everyone.
Word Web
Défi
Try to find one person today who demonstrates 'kokoro ga hiroi' behavior and describe them in a Japanese sentence.
Origine du mot
The phrase combines 'Kokoro' (心), which originally referred to the physical heart but evolved to mean the seat of emotions and intellect, with 'Hiroi' (広い), an ancient Japanese adjective for physical space.
Sens originel : To have a heart that is physically or metaphorically spacious enough to contain many things.
JaponicContexte culturel
Generally a very safe and positive phrase. However, calling someone 'kokoro ga hirosugiru' (too broad-minded) can sometimes imply they are a pushover.
Similar to 'big-hearted' or 'broad-minded,' but 'kokoro ga hiroi' is used more frequently as a standard compliment for patience.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Praising a mentor
- 先生は本当に心が広いです。
- そのような寛大なご配慮に感謝します。
- 心が広いご指導、ありがとうございます。
- 先生のような心の広い大人になりたいです。
Describing a romantic partner
- 私の彼氏は心が広いんです。
- 心が広い人がタイプです。
- 彼は私のわがままを許してくれる、心が広い人だ。
- お互いに心を広く持って付き合いたい。
Workplace feedback
- 部長の心が広い対応のおかげで、ミスを挽回できました。
- 上司は心が広いので、新しいアイデアを歓迎してくれます。
- もっと心を広く持って部下に接するべきだ。
- 彼は心が広いリーダーとして尊敬されている。
Self-reflection
- もっと心を広く持ちたい。
- 自分は心が狭いなと感じることがある。
- 心を広く持つための秘訣は何ですか?
- 今日は心を広く持って過ごそう。
Social/Political discussion
- 社会全体がもっと心を広く持つ必要がある。
- 多様性に対して心が広い文化。
- 不寛容な時代だからこそ、心が広い精神が大切だ。
- 異文化を排除せず、心を広く受け入れる。
Amorces de conversation
"あなたの周りで、一番心が広いと思う人は誰ですか?"
"心が広い人になるためには、どうすればいいと思いますか?"
"「心が広い」と「優しい」の違いは何だと思いますか?"
"最近、誰かの心が広い行動に感動したことはありますか?"
"あなたは、自分が心が広い方だと思いますか?"
Sujets d'écriture
今日、誰かの「心が広い」振る舞いを見ましたか?詳しく書いてください。
自分がもっと「心を広く持つ」べきだったと思う瞬間はありましたか?
理想のリーダーの条件として、「心が広い」ことはどれくらい重要ですか?
「心が広い」と言われて嬉しいですか?それとも「お人好し」に聞こえますか?
将来、どのような「心が広い」大人になりたいですか?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is generally avoided due to Japanese values of humility. Instead, say you are 'striving' to be broad-minded: 'Kokoro wo hiroku motsu you ni shiteimasu.'
Yes, it is almost always a compliment. However, in some contexts, it might imply someone is a bit too easy to take advantage of, but 'yasashisugiru' is more common for that.
'Kokoro ga hiroi' is conversational and warm. 'Kandai' is formal and often used by people in power or in writing.
Yes, 'hiroi kokoro' (a wide heart) is a common noun phrase, but 'kokoro ga hiroi' is the more standard way to describe a person's state.
Use the antonym: 'Kare wa kokoro ga semai' (彼は心が狭い).
Yes, you can praise a child for being 'kokoro ga hiroi' if they share their toys or forgive a friend.
Yes, it covers 'open-minded,' 'broad-minded,' and 'generous/forgiving.'
Yes, it is always written as 広い.
No. For a physically enlarged heart, medical terms like 'shinzou hidai' (心臓肥大) are used.
It means 'a person with a wide heart.' The 'ga' changes to 'no' because it's in a noun-modifying clause.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Write a sentence describing your ideal boss using '心が広い'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He is very broad-minded.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I want to become a broad-minded person.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the adverbial form 'hiroku' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a broad-minded teacher in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write the opposite of '田中さんは心が広いです' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'A broad-minded person doesn't get angry.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a friend who has a 'wide heart.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Thanks to her broad-mindedness, I was saved.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short dialogue where one person praises another's generosity.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I like broad-minded people.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Is your father broad-minded?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She is broad-minded and smart.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'No matter how broad-minded he is, he will get angry.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about a time you needed to be broad-minded.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'A broad-minded leader is necessary.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'His heart is as wide as the ocean.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Don't be so narrow-minded, be broad-minded.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'kokoro no hiroi hito'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I was impressed by his broad-mindedness.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'He is broad-minded' in polite Japanese.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Compliment someone: 'You have a big heart.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I want to be broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a friend: 'Be more broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask: 'Is that person broad-minded?'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'My teacher is very broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I like people with a wide heart.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He is broad-minded and kind.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Thanks to your big heart.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'It's important to have a broad heart.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I am not broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'My boss is broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'She was broad-minded.' (Past tense)
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'A broad-minded person is popular.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He has a heart as wide as the sea.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Let's be broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I'm looking for a broad-minded partner.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'You are surprisingly broad-minded.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Is it a broad-minded society?'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I'm grateful for your broad-mindedness.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to: 'Kare wa kokoro ga hiroi desu ne.' (What is being said?)
Listen to: 'Motto kokoro wo hiroku motte kudasai.' (What is the speaker asking?)
Listen to: 'Kokoro no hiroi hito ni naritai.' (What does the speaker want?)
Listen to: 'Kanojo wa hirokute yasashii.' (What are her two traits?)
Listen to: 'Kokoro ga semaku nai desu ka?' (What is the question?)
Listen to: 'Buchou wa kokoro ga hiroi node...' (What follows 'node'?)
Listen to: 'Hontou ni kokoro ga hiroi desu ne.' (Is the speaker sincere?)
Listen to: 'Umi no you ni kokoro ga hiroi.' (What is the metaphor?)
Listen to: 'Kokoro ga hiroi okage de...' (What is the nuance?)
Listen to: 'Doryou ga ookii hito.' (Is this similar to kokoro ga hiroi?)
Listen to: 'Kokoro ga hiroku nakatta.' (What tense is this?)
Listen to: 'Sore wa kokoro ga hiroi hito no suru koto da.' (What is 'it'?)
Listen to: 'Ooraka na hito desu ne.' (What is the trait?)
Listen to: 'Kokoro wo hiroku shite kureta.' (What did the person do?)
Listen to: 'Kandai na shochi.' (Is this formal or informal?)
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase '心が広い' is the essential way to describe a person who is tolerant and forgiving. Example: 'Shippai wo yurushite kureru, kokoro ga hiroi buchou' (A broad-minded manager who forgives mistakes).
- Literally means 'wide heart.'
- Describes a generous, broad-minded, or tolerant person.
- Commonly used as a high compliment for mentors or partners.
- Opposite of 'kokoro ga semai' (narrow-minded/petty).
Use for patience
If someone waits for you for an hour without complaining, tell them 'Kokoro ga hiroi desu ne!'
Check the particle
Always use 'ga' or 'no.' Never use 'wo' unless you are using a verb like 'motsu' (to hold).
Humility first
If someone calls you 'kokoro ga hiroi,' reply with 'Iie, tondemo nai desu' (No, not at all) to stay humble.
Pair with Yasashii
They go together like bread and butter: 'Kokoro ga hirokute yasashii.'
Exemple
彼は心が広いから、どんな失敗も許してくれる。
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur emotions
ぼんやり
B1Vaguement ; distraitement. Utilisé pour décrire une vision floue ou un esprit qui divague.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1Arrêter un objet en mouvement ou accepter sincèrement une critique.
達成感
B1Le sentiment de satisfaction et de fierté lorsque vous terminez avec succès une tâche ou atteignez un objectif. C'est la récompense de vos efforts.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1S'adapter à un nouvel environnement est essentiel pour réussir.
健気な
B2Décrit une personne (souvent plus faible ou plus jeune) qui fait preuve d'un courage admirable et touchant face à l'adversité.
感心な
B1Admirable; digne d'éloges. 'C'est un enfant admirable qui aide toujours ses parents.' 'Son attitude envers le travail est vraiment admirable.'
感心
B1Admiration ou être impressionné par la conduite ou l'effort de quelqu'un.
感心する
B1Être impressionné par le talent ou le comportement de quelqu'un.