手软

手軟

shǒuruǎn

adjective #13,991

Meanings

1 to be lenient
2 to relent
3 to be reluctant to make a hard decision
4 to go easy on someone

Characters

Examples

HSK 4

对敌人不能手软。

Duì dírén bùnéng shǒuruǎn.

You can't go easy on the enemy.

HSK 6

法官判案绝不手软。

Fǎguān pàn àn juébù shǒuruǎn.

The judge never goes easy when ruling on cases.

Tips

memory

Literally 'soft hands' - as if your hand goes limp and you can't strike. Used when someone hesitates to be harsh or firm. Often seen in the negative: 绝不手软 (show no mercy).

Stroke Order

手 shǒu

软 ruǎn