Chinese word

温柔

Pronunciation

Pinyinwēn róu

Meaning

  • adjectivegentle

Example

她说话很温柔。tā shuō huà hěn wēn róu

She speaks very gently.

Illustration for 温柔 (gentle)

More examples

妈妈对孩子很温柔。mā mā duì hái zi hěn wēn róu

Mom is very gentle with children.

Core concept

A person-to-person softness that feels caring and calm rather than sharp or rough.

Common phrases

  • 性格温柔xìng gé wēn róu

    gentle personality

  • 声音温柔shēng yīn wēn róu

    gentle voice

  • 对孩子温柔duì hái zi wēn róu

    gentle with children

Similar words

亲切qīn qiè: Warm, friendly, and polite in dealing with people, with an easygoing manner.
体贴tǐ tiē: Showing careful concern for what another person needs or feels.
和蔼hé ǎi: Kindly and warm in expression or speech, with a friendly, approachable manner.
温和wēn hé: Quiet and even-tempered in attitude or conduct, rather than forceful or harsh.

Definition in Chinese

指对他人态度亲切、言语动作柔软不尖锐，给人舒适的感觉。zhǐ duì tā rén tài dù qīn qiè yán yǔ dòng zuò róu ruǎn bù jiān ruì gěi rén shū shì de gǎn jué

Word origin

温柔 (wēnróu, "gentle") is formed from 温 (wēn, "warm") and 柔 (róu, "soft"), so its two parts suggest warmth expressed through softness.

Usage tips

  • The word can describe a voice or manner without judging a person's whole character, so it fits a specific moment as well as a lasting quality.

Opposites

Word lists with this word