Chinese word

软

Pronunciation

Pinyinruǎn

Meaning

  • adjectivesoft

Example

这件毛衣很软。zhè jiàn máo yī hěn ruǎn

This sweater is very soft.

Illustration for 软 (soft)

More examples

这个枕头很软，我睡得很舒服。zhè ge zhěn tou hěn ruǎn wǒ shuì de hěn shū fú

This pillow is very soft, so I sleep comfortably.

Core concept

A lack of firmness that lets something bend, compress, or give way when pressed.

Common phrases

  • 软枕头ruǎn zhěn tou

    soft pillow

  • 软床垫ruǎn chuáng diàn

    soft mattress

  • 软沙发ruǎn shā fā

    soft sofa

Similar words

柔软róu ruǎn: Soft and flexible to the touch, with a gentle yielding feel.
松软sōng ruǎn: Light and fluffy inside, sinking slightly when pressed.

Definition in Chinese

触摸或按压时容易变形、没有坚硬感觉的性质或状态。chù mō huò àn yā shí róng yì biàn xíng méi yǒu jiān yìng gǎn jué de xìng zhì huò zhuàng tài

Word origin

The modern form 软 (ruǎn, "soft") is the simplified form of traditional 軟 (ruǎn, "soft"), so its written history carries the old idea of something that yields instead of resisting pressure.

Usage tips

  • This adjective often describes food, fabric, or a person's manner, so the surrounding noun shows whether it means tender, flexible, or gentle.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word