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March 24, 2026
温柔(溫柔)wēnróu(wen1rou2)
温柔 (wēnróu) refers to a gentle and soft demeanor, often used to describe a person's character or approach. It conveys a sense of tenderness and kindness, commonly used in emotional or affectionate contexts, such as describing a loving partner or nurturing parent.
Strokes21Frequency#3389DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 温柔 is often valued in relationships, especially in the context of femininity and nurturing roles. It reflects the traditional ideal of gentleness in interpersonal interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warm (温) and gentle (柔) breeze that caresses your skin softly. Visualize this breeze as a comforting hug from a loved one, embodying the meaning of 温柔. The character 温 can remind you of warmth, while 柔 signifies softness.
Meanings of 温柔
wēnróu(wen1rou2)
1gentle and soft
2tender
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About 温柔
温柔Simplified
溫柔Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3389Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 温柔
Podcast: 温柔
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AI Study Notes for 温柔
Quick Contrast
温和 (wēnhé) - choose 温柔 when emphasizing gentleness and tenderness in demeanor, while 温和 suggests mildness or moderation without the same emotional depth.
Usage Notes
温柔 is generally used in informal contexts, often to express affection or appreciation. A common mistake is to confuse it with terms like 强壮 (qiángzhuàng, strong), which implies toughness rather than gentleness. Be cautious with the tonal pronunciation: 温 (wēn) has a flat tone, while 柔 (róu) has a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 温柔 connects to other adjectives describing feelings and personalities, like 快乐 (kuàilè, happy) or 友好 (yǒuhǎo, friendly). Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe emotional states or characteristics of people.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 温柔 with the word 坚强 (jiānqiáng, strong), which describes strength rather than gentleness. For example, saying "他很温柔和坚强" (He is gentle and strong) may not convey the intended meaning; use 温柔 to emphasize gentleness only.
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Pronunciation of 温柔
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温柔 (wēnróu) refers to a gentle and soft demeanor, often used to describe a person's character or approach. It conveys a sense of tenderness and kindness, commonly used in emotional or affectionate contexts, such as describing a loving partner or nurturing parent.
When to use 温柔
温柔 is generally used in informal contexts, often to express affection or appreciation. A common mistake is to confuse it with terms like 强壮 (qiángzhuàng, strong), which implies toughness rather than gentleness. Be cautious with the tonal pronunciation: 温 (wēn) has a flat tone, while 柔 (róu) has a rising tone.
温柔 or something close to it
温和 (wēnhé) - choose 温柔 when emphasizing gentleness and tenderness in demeanor, while 温和 suggests mildness or moderation without the same emotional depth.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 温柔 with the word 坚强 (jiānqiáng, strong), which describes strength rather than gentleness. For example, saying "他很温柔和坚强" (He is gentle and strong) may not convey the intended meaning; use 温柔 to emphasize gentleness only.
Write 温柔
温
柔
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Grammar Patterns of 温柔
温柔 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
