温柔
wēnróu
The Chinese word for gentle is 温柔, pronounced wēnróu.
温柔 is most commonly used to describe a person's temperament, voice or mannerisms, particularly in a way that is affectionate or kind. It conveys a sense of being soft and mild rather than hard or severe.
Meaning: soft and mild rather than hard or severe (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of two parts: 温 (wēn), which literally means 'warm' and 柔 (róu), which literally means 'soft' or 'supple'. Together, they create the sense of a gentle, warm temperament.
Which one should you use?
While 温柔 describes a gentle personality or touch, it is distinct from 轻柔, which is used more specifically for physical lightness and softness, such as a gentle breeze or a soft touch.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 温柔 as an attributive adjective before a noun, it is common to add the particle 的 to form 温柔的.
How do you pronounce it?
wēnróu
Did you know?
- Chinese has a specific concept called 外柔内刚 (wài róu nèi gāng), which describes a person who is 'gentle on the outside but strong on the inside'.
- The second character 柔 is the same character used in the martial arts concept of 'softness overcoming hardness', where one uses a gentle, yielding movement to redirect an opponent's force.
- In modern internet slang, the term 温柔 is often paired with 'healing' (治愈) to describe people or content that provides emotional comfort and peace.
Examples in context
- 她的声音很温柔。Her voice is very gentle.
- 他待人和蔼可亲。He treats people with kindness and amiability.
- 我喜欢轻柔的音乐。I like gentle music.
- 他是一个温柔的人。Tā shì yí ge wēnróu de rén.He is a gentle person.
- 妈妈的手很温柔。Māma de shǒu hěn wēnróu.Mother's hands are very gentle.
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Junjie are talking about a new teacher.
- 俊杰 Junjie你觉得新老师怎么样？Nǐ juéde xīn lǎoshī zěnmeyàng?What do you think of the new teacher?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我觉得他很温柔。Wǒ juéde tā hěn wēnróu.I think he is very gentle.
- 俊杰 Junjie他上课的时候很耐心吗？Tā shàngkè de shíhou hěn nàixīn ma?Is he patient during class?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，他说话非常温柔。Shì de, tā shuōhuà fēicháng wēnróu.Yes, he speaks very gently.
