Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
缓和(緩和)huǎnhé(huan3he2)
缓和 (huǎnhé) means to ease or moderate a situation, particularly in contexts involving tension or conflict. It is commonly used in discussions about diplomacy, stress relief, or emotional states, where one seeks to reduce intensity and create a more calm atmosphere.
Frequency#14526DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 缓和 is crucial in maintaining harmony and face-saving in social interactions. It reflects the importance of resolving disputes amicably rather than through confrontation, which is deeply rooted in Confucian values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'huan' (欢) celebration where everyone is relaxed and tensions are 'he' (和) harmonized. Visualize a room where heated discussions transform into friendly conversations as the atmosphere becomes more '缓和' like a gentle breeze.
Meanings of 缓和
huǎnhé(huan3he2)
1to ease (tension)
2to alleviate
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 缓和
缓和Simplified
緩和Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#14526Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 缓和
Podcast: 缓和
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 缓和
Quick Contrast
缓解 (huǎnjiě) - use 缓和 when focusing on easing tensions in a situation, while 缓解 emphasizes alleviating symptoms or problems.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'huan' (欢) celebration where everyone is relaxed and tensions are 'he' (和) harmonized. Visualize a room where heated discussions transform into friendly conversations as the atmosphere becomes more '缓和' like a gentle breeze.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when using 缓和, as the second character 和 can sometimes be confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in formal contexts, such as news reports or academic discussions, rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 缓和关系 (ease relations) and 缓和紧张 (ease tension).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 缓和 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and conflict resolution. Students should focus on its application in formal writing and speaking, linking it to phrases about emotional states and interpersonal relationships.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 缓和 is crucial in maintaining harmony and face-saving in social interactions. It reflects the importance of resolving disputes amicably rather than through confrontation, which is deeply rooted in Confucian values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缓和 with similar words like 解决 (jiějué, to solve), leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '我们要解决紧张' (Wǒmen yào jiějué jǐnzhāng) instead of '我们要缓和紧张' (Wǒmen yào huǎnhé jǐnzhāng) can change the intended meaning from easing tension to solving it.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缓和
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 缓和 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 缓和 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 缓和
缓和 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
一位发言人称这一坚决的行动____了极为棘手的局面。
A spokesman said this firm action had defused a very nasty situation.
Example Sentences for 缓和 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
一位发言人称这一坚决的行动缓和了极为棘手的局面。
yī wèi fā yán rén chēng zhè yī jiān jué de háng dòng huǎn hé le jí wéi jí shǒu de jú miàn。
A spokesman said this firm action had defused a very nasty situation.
2
在临死的那些日子里，年迈的女王态度稍缓和了一些。
zài lín sǐ de nà xiē rì zǐ lǐ， ， nián mài de nǚ wáng tài dù shāo huǎn hé le yī。
In her dying days the old Queen unbent a little.
3
安东尼觉得有必要缓和一下气氛。
ān dōng ní jué dé yǒu bì yào huǎn hé yī xià qì fēn。
Anthony felt the need to lighten the atmosphere.
4
影响养鸟者的立法提案的措词已经缓和一些了。
yǐng xiǎng yǎng niǎo zhě de lì fǎ tí àn de cuò cí yǐ jīng huǎn hé yī xiē le。
Proposed legislation affecting bird-keepers has been watered down.
5
詹妮的态度有所缓和，最终软了下来。
zhān nī de tài dù yǒu suǒ huǎn hé， ， zuì zhōng ruǎn le xià。
Jennie weakened, and finally relented.
6
青春痘 、 抗疤、秃头也有特殊缓和的作用.
qīng chūn dòu、 、 kàng、 bā 、 tū tóu yě yǒu tè shū huǎn hé de.
It also has a special relaxative effect on whelk, scar , and baldhead.
Cultural Notes for 缓和
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 缓和 is crucial in maintaining harmony and face-saving in social interactions. It reflects the importance of resolving disputes amicably rather than through confrontation, which is deeply rooted in Confucian values.
Frequently Asked Questions about 缓和
While it can be used informally, it's more appropriate in formal contexts, such as discussions about politics or emotional well-being.
Synonyms include 平息 (píngxī) which means to calm or soothe and 缓解 (huǎnjiě) which means to alleviate or relieve.
Yes, it is often used in diplomatic contexts, such as discussions about easing tensions between countries.
