JLPT N2 Kanji – Difference between “柔らかい・軟らかい” and “硬い・固い”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “柔やわらかい・軟やわらかい” and “硬かたい・固かたい”
2. やわらかい
3. かたい
4. 柔やわらかい VS 軟やわらかい
5. 固かたい VS 硬かたい
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment

Q: Do the meanings of “柔やわらかい／軟やわらかい” and “硬かたい／固かたい”change depending on the kanji?

A: Yes, even though they are pronounced the same, their meanings and usage differ slightly. This article clearly explains the differences and how to use each word correctly, with concrete examples and figurative expressions.

やわらかい

[Meaning]
① Not hard; soft and fluffy to the touch
② Gentle and calm appearance or atmosphere
③ Kind and considerate wording or expression for the listener

[Examples]
ここのパンはふわふわで、とても柔やわらかいです。（①）
The bread here is fluffy and very soft.

このメガネのフレームは、軟やわらかい金属きんぞくでできているので、簡単かんたんに曲まがります。（①）
This pair of glasses has a frame made of soft metal, so it bends easily.

彼かれはいつも柔やわらかい表情ひょうじょうで、まわりを安心あんしんさせます。（②）
He always has a soft expression and makes people around him feel at ease.

「だめ」と言いうより、「こうしよう」と柔やわらかく伝つたえたほうがいいですよ。（③）
It’s better to say “Let’s do it this way” than just “No” — say it more softly.

かたい

[Meaning]
① Very strong and resistant to deformation even when force is applied
② A state where two things are tightly bound together
③ A firm state or feeling that does not easily change
④ A solid surface or property that is not soft

[Examples]
冷蔵れいぞう庫こに入いれておいたチョコレートが、冷ひえて固かたくなってしまいました。（①）
The chocolate I left in the fridge got cold and became hard.

新聞しんぶん紙しをひもで固かたく結むすびました。（②）
I tied the newspapers tightly with string.

二人ふたりの間あいだには固かたい友情ゆうじょうがあります。（③）
There is a strong friendship between the two of them.

彼かれは頭あたまが硬かたいので、新あたらしいアイデアをなかなか受け入う　いれてくれません。（③）
He has a hard head, so he doesn’t easily accept new ideas.

ダイヤモンドはとても硬かたい物質ぶっしつとして知しられています。（④）
Diamonds are known as very hard materials.

柔やわらかい VS 軟やわらかい

“柔やわらかい” describes a soft, fluffy feeling to the touch—something that returns to its original shape when pressed.
On the other hand, 軟やわらかい” is used when referring to the physical properties or characteristics of materials such as metals or other substances.

[Examples]
赤あかちゃんの頬ほおは、とても柔やわらかいです。
A baby’s cheeks are very soft.

この布団ふとんはとても柔やわらかくて軽かるいです。
This futon is very soft and light.

このメガネのフレームは、軟やわらかい金属きんぞくで作つくられています。
The frame of these glasses is made of soft metal.

鉛なまりは金属きんぞくの中なかでも、特とくに軟やわらかい性質せいしつを持もちます。
Lead is one of the softest metals.

Figurative Use of “柔やわらかい”

“柔やわらかい” is not only used to describe touch or texture, but also to express a person’s manner, attitude, atmosphere, or way of speaking. In these cases, it carries the meaning of “gentle” or “calm.”

[Examples]
彼女かのじょはいつも柔やわらかい笑顔えがおで、周まわりを明あかるくしてくれます。
She always has a soft smile and makes people around her feel happy.
⇒ This means “a gentle and calm smile.”

部長ぶちょうが厳きびしい口調くちょうなのに対たいし、課長かちょうは柔やわらかい口調くちょうで話はなします。
While the department manager speaks in a strict tone, the section manager speaks in a soft tone.
⇒ This means “a kind and gentle way of speaking.”

固かたい VS 硬かたい

“固かたい” is used for things that are firmly fixed in shape or state and do not easily fall apart.
On the other hand, “硬かたい” is used for materials that are strong in nature—difficult to bend, break, or damage, and have high durability.

[Examples]
パンが乾燥かんそうして固かたくなってしまいました。
The bread became hard because it dried out.

このケーキはスポンジが少すこし固かためなので、簡単かんたんには崩くずれません。
This cake has a slightly hard sponge, so it doesn’t fall apart easily.

このアパートには硬かたいガラスが使つかわれているので安心あんしんです。
This apartment uses hard glass, so it feels safe.

もっとも硬かたい金属きんぞくはダイヤモンドです。
The hardest metal is diamond.

Figurative Use of “固かたい” and “硬かたい”

“固かたい” is used to express firmness in things like the heart, will, or relationships—meaning “unchanging” or “unshakable.”

[Common words used with 固かたい]
友情ゆうじょう(friendship)・約束やくそく(promise)・絆きずな(bond)・意志いし(will)

[Examples]
わたしたちの絆きずなは固かたいです。
Our bond is strong.

固かたい意志いしを持もっていれば、夢ゆめも叶かなうでしょう。
If you have a strong will, your dreams will come true.

“硬かたい” is used to describe overly serious atmospheres, stiffness, or inflexible attitudes.

[よく使つかわれる言葉ことば]
表情ひょうじょう(facial expression)・頭あたま(head, mind)・考かんがえ(thinking)

[Examples]
緊張きんちょうで表情ひょうじょうが硬かたくなっていますよ。
Your face looks stiff because you’re nervous.
⇒ This means your expression is more serious and less natural than usual.

社長しゃちょうは頭あたまが硬かたくて、新あたらしいアイデアをまったく受け入う　いれてくれません。
The president is so stubborn that he doesn’t accept any new ideas.
⇒ This expresses that he is inflexible.

Summary

	Meaning	Figurative Usage	Example Sentences
柔やわらかい	Something soft to the touch that returns to its shape when pressed	Describes gentle or calm attitudes, expressions, speech, or atmosphere	赤あかちゃんの頬ほおは、とても柔やわらかいです。 A baby’s cheeks are very soft. （比喩ひゆ的てき）彼女かのじょは柔やわらかい口調くちょうで話はなします。 (Figurative) She speaks in a soft tone.
軟やわらかい	Refers to the physical properties or characteristics of a material	Rarely used in figurative expressions	鉛なまりは軟やわらかい性質せいしつをもつ金属きんぞくです。 Lead is a metal with soft properties.
固かたい	Something firmly fixed in shape or position, difficult to break or crumble	Describes unchanging or unwavering things like willpower, relationships, or promises	パンが固かたくなってしまいました。 The bread has become hard. （比喩ひゆ的てき）私わたしたちは固かたい絆きずなで結むすばれています。 (Figurative) We are bound by a strong bond.
硬かたい	A material that is hard, rigid, and durable	Describes overly serious, stiff, or inflexible attitudes or expressions	一番いちばん硬かたい金属きんぞくはダイヤモンドです。 The hardest metal is diamond. （比喩ひゆ的てき）硬かたい表情ひょうじょう。 社長しゃちょうは頭あたまが硬かたいです。 (Figurative) A stiff expression. The president is very inflexible.

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