外がい柔じゅう内ない剛ごう

noun

gentle but firm; soft on the outside, hard on the inside

Describes a person who appears gentle and approachable but has a strong, unwavering inner character. Often used as a compliment for someone who is kind yet resolute.

• 彼かれは外がい柔じゅう内ない剛ごうな人ひとで、普ふ段だんは優やさしいが、いざという時ときはとても頼たよりになる。

  He is a gentle but firm person—usually kind, but very dependable when it counts.

• 外がい柔じゅう内ない剛ごうの精せい神しんで交こう渉しょうに臨のぞんだ。

  I approached the negotiation with a spirit of being gentle but firm.