noun
softness; gentleness; weakness
Refers to the quality of being soft, gentle, or pliable, often contrasted with 剛 (hardness/strength). Can imply a lack of firmness or weakness depending on context.
Antonyms: 剛
柔よく剛を制す。
Softness controls hardness (proverb: gentleness overcomes strength).
彼の性格には柔の面がある。
His personality has a gentle side.
Common adjective meaning 'soft' or 'tender'. 柔 is a more abstract noun form, often used in philosophical or descriptive contexts.
The kanji 柔 represents the concept of softness or pliability. The reading じゅう is the on'yomi, used in compound words and abstract contexts. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.