Meaning
温柔 describes a gentle, tender, and soft manner or character, often used for people's temperament, voice, touch, or behavior. It conveys warmth and kindness without harshness or aggression. The word combines 温 (warm) and 柔 (soft), creating an image of gentle warmth.
Usage
Most commonly used to describe people (especially women in traditional contexts, though it applies to anyone), voices, personalities, and physical touch. It has positive connotations of caring and consideration. Can describe both inherent character traits and momentary behavior. Often appears in the phrase 温柔地 (gently, tenderly) as an adverb.
Examples
- 01她用温柔的声音安慰哭泣的孩子。.She comforted the crying child with a gentle voice.
- 02他看起来很严肃，但对家人非常温柔。, .He looks serious, but he is very gentle with his family.
Characters
Common collocations
- 温柔的声音gentle voice
- 温柔地说to say gently
- 温柔的性格gentle personality
- 温柔体贴gentle and considerate
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters have ancient origins. 温 originally meant warm water, extending to warmth in general. 柔 depicted a spear wrapped with cloth, symbolizing softness. Together they form a classical Chinese compound emphasizing gentle warmth.