The Chinese word 手软 (shǒuruǎn) is a compound word formed by combining the character 手 (shǒu), meaning "hand," with the character 软 (ruǎn), meaning "soft." It is a metaphorical expression where the physical state of having a "soft hand" is extended to describe an abstract psychological or moral state. Literally, it suggests a lack of physical strength in the hand, but its idiomatic meaning is to be reluctant to act decisively or harshly due to kindness, sympathy, fear, or a lack of resolve, as in being too soft-hearted to punish someone or too hesitant to make a tough decision.