Chinese word

柔和

Pronunciation

Pinyinróu hé

Meaning

  • adjectivegentle

Example

她的声音很柔和。tā de shēng yīn hěn róu hé

Her voice is very gentle.

Illustration for 柔和 (gentle)

More examples

他的处理方式很柔和，不会激化矛盾。tā de chú lǐ fāng shì hěn róu hé bú huì jī huà máo dùn

His way of handling it is gentle and does not escalate the conflict.

Core concept

A balanced softness that makes a voice, light, or manner feel calm rather than sharp or forceful.

Common phrases

  • 性格柔和xìng gé róu hé

    gentle personality

  • 语气柔和yǔ qì róu hé

    gentle tone

  • 色彩柔和sè cǎi róu hé

    soft colors

Similar words

温柔wēn róu: Gentle in behavior and feelings, showing kindness that makes others feel at ease.
温和wēn hé: Quiet and steady in behavior or character, with a calm and controlled manner.
轻柔qīng róu: Soft and light in movement or sound, creating little impact or irritation.
柔软róu ruǎn: Soft and pliable as a material, changing shape easily under pressure.

Definition in Chinese

形容性情、声音、光线等温和、不强烈、不刺人的状态。xíng róng xìng qíng shēng yīn guāng xiàn děng wēn hé bù qiáng liè bú cì rén de zhuàng tài

Word origin

柔 (róu, "soft") + 和 (hé, "harmony") form 柔和 (róuhé, "gentle"), combining reduced force with harmony to name a mild, unabrasive effect.

Usage tips

  • For lighting, this word refers to illumination spread without glare, not necessarily to a dim room, which helps separate visual comfort from low brightness.

Other meanings

  • softadjective
  • kindadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word