松

• Pinyin: sōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 松 = 木 (wood) + 公 (public, phonetic), originally meaning pine tree; the 'loose' meaning comes from the traditional character 鬆

Meaning

Loose; to loosen; to relax. The opposite of tight.

As an adjective, describes something that is not tight or firm, such as clothing, screws, or soil. As a verb, means to loosen or let go. Also used figuratively for relaxing restrictions or standards.

Examples

1. 这条裤子的腰带太松了，要换一条。 The belt on these trousers is too loose; I need to change it.
2. 你把绳子松一松，绑得太紧了。 Loosen the rope a bit; it's tied too tightly.
3. 考试结束后，大家都松了一口气。 After the exam was over, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, clothing, repair

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 螺丝松了，需要拧紧一下。(The screw is loose; it needs to be tightened.)
• 别抓得那么紧，松开手。(Don't grip so tightly; let go.)

Don't Say

• 这个人很松。(Don't use 松 to describe a person's character — use 懒散 or 随意. 松 describes physical looseness or relaxing an action.)

Origin & History

Originally written 鬆, related to the pine tree (松), which has loose, spreading branches. Simplified to 松.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal