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

对敌人不能手软。

Duì dírén bùnéng shǒuruǎn.

You can't go easy on the enemy.

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