软 (ruǎn) - soft & flexible

软Tone 3

ruǎn ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 车

儒三

软 · ruǎn

soft;

flexible;

pliable;

weak;

gentle;

mild

softflexiblepliable

Usage highlights

softsoftwaresoft drinksoft seatsoft powersoft voice

Synonyms

  • 柔— soft; gentle
  • 弱— weak; feeble
  • 软和— soft; pliable

Antonyms

  • 硬— hard; stiff
  • 刚— firm; rigid
  • 强— strong; powerful

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This pillow is very soft (软枕头).
  • Please speak softly (请用软语).
  • The software needs updating (软件需要更新).
  • He has a soft personality (性格很软).

Collocations

  • soft(软)
  • software(软件)
  • soft drink(软饮料)
  • soft seat(软座)
  • soft power(软实力)
  • soft voice(软语)

Idioms

  • Soft and weak(软弱无力)
  • Soft words and hard heart(软语硬心)
  • Soft approach is better than hard force(软硬兼施)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 'soft' is often contrasted with 'hard' (硬), representing flexibility versus rigidity.
  • The concept of 'soft power' (软实力) has become important in international relations discourse.
  • In traditional medicine, softness is associated with yin qualities versus yang hardness.

FAQ