温柔

• Pinyin: wēn róu
• Hanzi breakdown: 温 = 氵+ 昷 (warm); 柔 = 矛 + 木 (flexible, soft — a young, bending tree)

Meaning

Gentle; tender; soft and kind in manner. Describes a gentle and caring personality or behavior, especially toward others.

Often used to describe a person's temperament, tone of voice, or style of interaction. In modern usage, widely applied to anyone regardless of gender. Contrasted with 强硬 (tough) or 粗暴 (rough). A positive quality in relationships and caregiving.

Examples

1. 她说话声音轻柔，态度温柔，让人感到十分舒适。 She spoke softly and had a gentle manner, which made people feel very at ease.
2. 他用温柔的眼神看着孩子，眼里满是疼爱之情。 He looked at the child with gentle eyes, full of affection.
3. 对待老人和孩子，我们应该更加温柔耐心。 When dealing with the elderly and children, we should be gentler and more patient.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, personality, daily life

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他总是用温柔的语气与患者交谈，让病人感到安心和信任。(He always speaks to patients in a gentle tone, making them feel at ease and reassured.)
• 温柔并不是软弱的表现，而是一种体贴与尊重的力量。(Gentleness is not a sign of weakness, but a form of considerate and respectful strength.)

Don't Say

• 这个项目处理得很温柔 — for careful handling of work tasks, use 谨慎处理 or 细心操作; 温柔 applies to interpersonal manner, not procedural care

Origin & History

温 (warm) + 柔 (soft, gentle, flexible)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal