软

• Pinyin: ruǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 软 = 车 (vehicle) + 欠 (lacking, phonetic component)

Meaning

Soft; flexible; gentle; weak.

Describes physical softness in texture, but also extends to personality traits like being gentle, yielding, or even weak-willed. Can describe soft sounds, gentle approaches, or pliable materials. The opposite of 硬 (hard).

Examples

1. 这个床垫太软了，睡久了腰会疼。 This mattress is too soft — your back will hurt if you sleep on it for long.
2. 她说话声音很软，给人一种温柔的感觉。 Her voice is very soft, giving people a gentle feeling.
3. 别对孩子太软，该严厉的时候要严厉。 Don't be too soft with the kids — be strict when you need to be.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这块布料摸起来很软。(This fabric feels very soft.)
• 他心太软，总是拒绝不了别人的请求。(He's too soft-hearted and can never refuse others' requests.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜很软 — when describing food texture negatively, be more specific; 软 alone might sound like criticism of overcooked food

Origin & History

The character contains 车 (vehicle) and 欠 (owe/lacking), originally referring to soft, flexible material in vehicles.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal