Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| blando | /ˈblando/ |
| muelle | /ˈmweʝe/ |
| mole | /ˈmole/ |
| lene | /ˈlene/ |
blando is used to describe something that easily gives way under pressure, such as a sponge or a piece of metal. Metaphorically, it can also describe a person who lacks strength of character or is easily manipulated.
Which one should you use?
Use blando for physical softness or a lack of firmness. Do not confuse it with suave, which is used for things that are smooth or soft to the touch, such as silk or a gentle voice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
muelle, mole and lene are also listed as forms of soft.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective blando must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form blanda for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form blandos for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form blandas for feminine plural nouns. To express the action of making something soft, you can use the verb suavizar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈblando/
Did you know?
- The word muelle can mean soft, but it is also the common Spanish word for a 'spring' in a mattress or a 'pier' for ships.
- The Spanish word blando comes from the Latin blandus, which meant 'pleasant' or 'flattering'. This is the same root that gives English the word 'bland'.
- The word lene is a rare, poetic form of 'soft' derived from the Latin lēnis. You will rarely hear it in conversation, as it is mostly reserved for literature and formal linguistics.
Examples in context
- El plomo es un metal blando.Lead is a soft metal.This sentence shows how to describe the physical properties of a metal using blando.Tatoeba #12019634 by emma_zunz, translation #6177648 by carlosalberto
- La niña tiene un corazón blando.The girl has a soft heart.This sentence uses blando to describe a metaphorical soft heart.Tatoeba #1717536 by marcelostockle, translation #43825 by Swift
- Se está volviendo blando ahora que es mayor.He's getting soft in his old age.This sentence uses blando to describe a person becoming soft with age.Tatoeba #1827422 by Shishir, translation #304912 by papabear
- La tela es suave al tacto.The fabric is soft to the touch.
- El sonido de la música es suave y relajante.The sound of the music is soft and relaxing.
- El pastel está blando.The cake is soft.
- Es una persona de corazón blando.He/She is a soft-hearted person.
- ¡El cachorro es tan tierno!The puppy is so soft/cute!
- El queso es muy tierno, se derrite en la boca.The cheese is very soft, it melts in your mouth.
- La canción habla del amor tierno y puro.The song talks about tender and pure love.
- Las cortinas son aterciopeladas y elegantes.The curtains are velvet-like and elegant.
- Su voz es aterciopelada, transmite calidez.His/Her voice is velvety, it conveys warmth.
- Vamos a suavizar el ambiente antes de empezar la reunión.Let's soften the mood before starting the meeting.
- Es importante suavizar la crítica para evitar conflictos.It's important to soften the criticism to avoid conflicts.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are baking a cake together.
- MaríaEl pan está muy blando.The bread is very soft.
- JavierSí, parece que está recién hecho.Yes, it seems like it's freshly made.
- MaríaNecesitamos que el queso sea blando.We need the cheese to be soft.
- JavierPerfecto, usaré este tipo de queso.Perfect, I will use this type of cheese.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soft” translations and entries blando, muelle, mole, lene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blando, lene, mole, muelle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
