The word 轻柔 (qīngróu), meaning "gentle" or "soft," is a compound formed by combining two characters with closely related meanings: 轻 (qīng), which conveys "light" in weight or touch, and 柔 (róu), which means "soft," "pliable," or "supple." This structure exemplifies a common Chinese word-formation pattern called a *coordinative* or *parallel compound*, where two synonyms or near-synonyms are joined to create a single, nuanced adjective that emphasizes a unified quality—in this case, a delicate and mild softness. The combination enriches the meaning, evoking a sense of something that is both physically light and tactilely smooth, as in a gentle breeze (轻柔的风) or a soft voice (轻柔的声音).