mềm
[mem˨˩]
The Vietnamese word for soft is mềm.
The word mềm is used to describe something that is easily giving way under pressure. If you are describing a person's character as being soft or lacking willpower, the compound mềm yếu is often used.
Meaning: easily giving way under pressure (adj)
Which one should you use?
The antonym of mềm (soft) is cứng (hard).
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the word mềm is used to describe the voice of someone who is speaking in a gentle or persuasive manner, regardless of the actual volume.
- The phrase mềm mỏng describes a diplomatic or tactful way of communicating, often used when someone is trying to avoid a conflict.
- The opposite of mềm is cứng, but when describing a person's resolve, cứng can be a compliment meaning steadfast and principled.
Examples in context
- Bánh mềmSoft cake
- Gối mềmSoft pillow
- Động tác nhẹ nhàngGentle movement
- Từ bi và mềm lòngCompassionate and tender-hearted
- chiếc gối này rất mềm.This pillow is very soft.
- Chiếc đệm này rất mềm.This mattress is very soft.
- Bánh mì này mềm quá.This bread is so soft.
- Lớp đất ở đây rất mềm.The soil here is very soft.
Example conversation
Mai and Minh are choosing a sofa at a furniture store.
- MaiChiếc sofa này nhìn có vẻ mềm quá.This sofa looks very soft.
- MinhĐể anh thử ngồi xem sao.Let me try sitting on it.
- MinhĐúng rồi, nó mềm thật đấy.You're right, it really is soft.
- MaiVậy mình mua chiếc này đi.Then let's buy this one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soft” translations and entries mềm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
