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柔软 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
柔软róuruǎnsoftHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #6951, Hard
róuruǎn(rou2ruan3)rou ruan T2
  1. 1soft
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March 24, 2026

柔软(柔軟)róuruǎn(rou2ruan3)

柔软 means 'soft' or 'pliable' in English. It describes materials or textures that are gentle to the touch, such as soft fabrics or comfortable cushions. This term can also be used metaphorically to describe a gentle demeanor or approach.

Strokes17Frequency#6951DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, softness is often associated with gentleness and flexibility, contrasting with the Western emphasis on strength. This can be seen in traditional practices like Tai Chi, where soft movements are valued for their effectiveness.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'soft' pillow that makes you want to 'relax' (柔) and 'surrender' (软) into it. The characters 柔 and 软 both have the 'soft' component, which visually resembles gentle curves, like a soft, lumpy pillow.

Meanings of 柔软

róuruǎn(rou2ruan3)
1soft
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About 柔软

柔软Simplified
柔軟Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 柔软

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Podcast: 柔软

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AI Study Notes for 柔软

Quick Contrast

柔和 (róuhé) — use 柔软 for physical softness, while 柔和 refers to gentleness in manner or tone.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 柔软 with 硬 (hard), which is its opposite. This word is typically used in informal contexts, but can also appear in descriptive writing. Be careful with the tones: the second tone (rou2) and third tone (ruan3) are crucial for correct pronunciation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 柔软 is not officially part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at HSK 3 and above, especially when discussing comfort or texture. Focus on recognizing the component characters and practicing their tones as part of broader vocabulary about physical sensations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 柔软 with 柔和 (mild), using them interchangeably. For example, saying 柔软的性格 instead of 柔和的性格 can lead to misunderstandings, as the first suggests more physical softness rather than a gentle nature.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 柔软

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Component Characters

柔róusoft
HSK 79 strokes木
View full entry
软ruǎnsoft
HSK 58 strokes车
View full entry

How to say soft in Chinese

“soft” in Chinese is柔软róuruǎn

柔软 means 'soft' or 'pliable' in English. It describes materials or textures that are gentle to the touch, such as soft fabrics or comfortable cushions. This term can also be used metaphorically to describe a gentle demeanor or approach.

When to use 柔软

Common mistakes include confusing 柔软 with 硬 (hard), which is its opposite. This word is typically used in informal contexts, but can also appear in descriptive writing. Be careful with the tones: the second tone (rou2) and third tone (ruan3) are crucial for correct pronunciation.

柔软 or something close to it

柔和 (róuhé) — use 柔软 for physical softness, while 柔和 refers to gentleness in manner or tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 柔软 with 柔和 (mild), using them interchangeably. For example, saying 柔软的性格 instead of 柔和的性格 can lead to misunderstandings, as the first suggests more physical softness rather than a gentle nature.

Write 柔软

柔
软

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Frequently Asked Questions about 柔软

Synonyms include 软 (soft), 温柔 (gentle), and 柔和 (mild). They each carry slightly different nuances but relate to softness.

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