Explore how 柔 expresses softness and flexibility in everyday words.

The idea

柔 has 9 strokes; follow the linked diagram. Read 柔らかい（やわらかい）, 柔らぐ（やわらぐ）, 柔道（じゅうどう） and 柔軟（じゅうなん） as whole words.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingExample in context
柔らかいやわらかいThis bread is soft.
柔道じゅうどうI practise judo twice a week.
柔軟じゅうなんA flexible approach is needed.
柔らぐやわらぐThe tension eased.

Examples

  • このパンは柔やわらかいです。This bread is soft.
  • 肉にくは煮にると柔やわらかくなりました。The meat became tender after simmering.
  • 週しゅうに二回にかい、柔道じゅうどうを練習れんしゅうします。I practise judo twice a week.
  • 柔軟じゅうなんな対応たいおうが必要ひつようです。A flexible approach is needed.
  • 緊張きんちょうが柔やわらぎました。The tension eased.
  • 彼女かのじょは柔やわらかい声こえで話はなしました。She spoke in a gentle voice.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

柔らかい describes a soft texture or gentle voice; 柔軟 often describes adaptability. The reading changes with the word.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 柔らかい in hiragana.

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    やわらかい

    柔らかい is やわらかい: this bread is soft. Include the kana after the kanji.

  2. Write the reading of 柔道 in hiragana.

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    じゅうどう

    柔道 is じゅうどう, the martial art judo. Both characters belong to the reading.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: ＿軟（じゅうなん）［柔／近］.

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    柔

    柔 completes 柔軟（じゅうなん）, meaning flexible; 近 means near.

Use it today

Write 柔 using the diagram, cover the table and read the words aloud. Make a sentence with 柔軟.