软
ruǎn
The English word 'soft' is translated into Mandarin as 软 (ruǎn).
软 is used to describe things that easily give way under pressure. While it primarily describes physical texture, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's character as being 'weak' or 'spineless'. For more specific nuances, you might encounter related terms: 软弱 (ruǎnruò) describes a person's personality or a political stance as being weak or lacking resolve, while 软心肠 (ruǎn xīncháng) describes someone who is gentle and compassionate.
Meaning: easily giving way under pressure (adj)
Which one should you use?
The single syllable 软 is the common choice for describing physical softness in everyday conversation. In contrast, the disyllabic form 柔软 (róuruǎn) is often used in more formal or descriptive writing when discussing texture or describing something as supple.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the single-syllable adjective 软 in a sentence, it is natural to add an intensifier like 很 before it (forming 很软), even if you do not strictly mean 'very'. This helps the sentence sound natural to native speakers.
How do you pronounce it?
ruǎn
Did you know?
- In Chinese martial arts terminology, the concept of 'softness' is used to describe a technique that redirects an opponent's force rather than resisting it directly.
- The character 软 consists of two parts: a radical meaning 'silk' and a phonetic component. This reflects the ancient Chinese association between softness and the texture of silk fabric.
- In Chinese culinary culture, 'softness' is a highly prized quality for noodles or rice, where the term 软 is often paired with 糯 (nuò) to describe a satisfying, glutinous texture.
Examples in context
- 这条毛巾蓬松又柔软，特别舒服。This towel is so soft and fluffy. It feels good!This sentence shows how to use 软 to describe the texture of a towel.Tatoeba #8926998 by crescat, translation #1164640 by Chrikaru
- 来摸摸这个感觉一下。真的很柔软啊。Feel this. It's really soft.This sentence uses 软 to describe the sensation of touching something soft.Tatoeba #5097611 by mirrorvan, translation #1972625 by CK
- 洗过澡后，猫咪的毛柔软又蓬松，还有淡淡的香味。After washing, the cat's fur is soft and fluffy, and has a faint scent.This sentence uses 软 to describe the texture of an animal's fur.Tatoeba #8701022 by crescat, translation #8932631 by iiujik
- 这块面包很软，你应该尝一尝。This bread is very soft, you should try it.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hao Ran and Xin Yi are choosing a pillow at a store.
- 浩然 Haoran这个枕头感觉太软了。Zhège zhěntou gǎnjué tài ruǎn le.This pillow feels too soft.
- 欣怡 Xinyi我不觉得，我觉得刚刚好。Wǒ bù juéde, wǒ juéde gānggāng hǎo.I don't think so, I think it's just right.
- 浩然 Haoran我想找一个硬一点的。Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo yīgè yìng yīdiǎn de.I want to find one that is a bit harder.
- 欣怡 Xinyi那边有更硬的，你去看看。Nàbiān yǒu gèng yìng de, nǐ qù kànkan.There are harder ones over there, go take a look.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
