やわら

Etymology 1
Derivation unclear. There are two main theories.


 * May be a phonetic shift from older term of very similar meaning.  That term is regarded as having the derivational historical kana spelling of, yielding this likely development:


 * May instead be cognate with below.  That term has the derivational historical kana spelling of, yielding this development:

Notably, the derivationally correct historical kana spellings for this term are uncertain.
 * If is cognate with, the historical kana spelling for  would be.
 * If is from, the historical kana spelling for  would be.

However, the derivation of synonym and its historical kana spelling is similarly unclear, and  itself may ultimately be cognate with. Further research is required.

Regardless of derivation, this term was already pronounced as yawara by 1603, as noted in the  Japanese-Portuguese dictionary published that year.

First cited in the  of roughly 999.

Adverb

 * 1)  gently, leisurely, slowly

Usage notes
Uncommon term. Not listed in some dictionaries.