How to say "humane" in Japanese

• 人道的じんどうてきCommon
  na-adjectiveThe common word for 'humane' in the sense of compassionate, humanitarian treatment or policy, as in the humane treatment of prisoners or animals. This is usually the word you want for 'humane'.
  それは罪人ざいにんに対たいする最もっとも人道的じんどうてきな刑罰けいばつではないか。↗

  Isn't that the most humane punishment for criminals?
• 人間らしいにんげんらしい
  i-adjectiveIts primary meaning is 'human': having the warmth and decency natural to a human being. As 'humane' it suggests treating people with basic human decency; it is a less common choice for this sense.
  あなたには、もっと人間にんげんらしく生いきてほしいの。↗

  I want you to live more like a human being.
• 慈悲深いじひぶかい
  i-adjectiveReally means 'compassionate' or 'merciful' — said of a person of deep kindness and charity. It covers 'humane' only when the sense is such personal mercy; for 'humane' treatment or policy, use 人道的.

Use 人道的 for the core sense of 'humane' — compassionate, humanitarian treatment or policy; 「人間らしい」 stresses decency and warmth befitting a human being; 「慈悲深い」 describes a deeply merciful, compassionate person rather than treatment.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 人道的じんどうてきhumane
• 人間らしいにんげんらしいhuman
• 慈悲深いじひぶかいcompassionate