軟
軟·soft, flexible
- On-yomi
- ナン
- Kun-yomi
- やわ(らかい)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 柔軟 | じゅうなん | flexible, supple |
| 軟らかい | やわらかい | soft, tender |
| 軟化 | なんか | softening (of an attitude, a substance) |
| 軟水 | なんすい | soft water |
Example sentences
この肉は軟らかいです。
このにくはやわらかいです。
This meat is tender.
もっと柔軟に考えたほうがいい。
もっとじゅうなんにかんがえたほうがいい。
You should think more flexibly.
相手の態度が少し軟化した。
あいてのたいどがすこしなんかした。
The other side's attitude softened a little.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 柔軟 as じゅうなつ instead of じゅうなん
- Writing 柔らかい where 軟らかい is meant — 柔 is used of a gentle, yielding softness, 軟 of a physically pliable one
Memory aid
Picture it
A cart (車) that yawns (欠) — even a rigid wagon goes slack when it is worn soft.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 軟 mean?