단단하다 (dan-dan-ha-da, dandanhada) · 부드럽다 (bu-deu-reop-da, budeureopda)
단단하다 describes something hard and solid, while 부드럽다 refers to something soft and flexible, highlighting their contrasting textures and properties.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adjective describing something hard and solid
When to use
Describing hard objects, Explaining solid materials, Emphasizing firm surfaces
The nuance
Use 단단하다 when the object is hard, solid, and resistant to deformation or breaking. It mainly expresses physical strength or firmness.
An adjective describing something soft, flexible, or having a pleasant texture
When to use
Describing soft textures, Explaining flexible materials, Expressing pleasant tactile sensation
The nuance
Use 부드럽다 when the object is soft, easily deformable, or has a pleasant tactile sensation. It emphasizes gentleness or smoothness of texture.
이 돌은 정말 단단하다.
i dol-eun jeong-mal dan-dan-ha-da., i dol eun jeong mal dan dan ha da.
Rocks are hard and solid, so using 단단하다 is natural.
이 돌은 부드럽다.
i dol-eun bu-deu-reop-da., i dol eun bu deu reop da.
Rocks are generally hard, so using 부드럽다 sounds odd.
이 쿠션은 부드럽다.
i ku-syeon-eun bu-deu-reop-da., i ku syeon eun bu deu reop da.
Cushions are soft and pleasant to touch, so 부드럽다 fits.
이 쿠션은 단단하다.
i ku-syeon-eun dan-dan-ha-da., i ku syeon eun dan dan ha da.
Cushions are not hard, so using 단단하다 is unnatural.
이 나무는 단단하다.
i na-mu-neun dan-dan-ha-da., i na mu neun dan dan ha da.
When wood is firm and hard, 단단하다 is appropriate.
이 나무는 부드럽다.
i na-mu-neun bu-deu-reop-da., i na mu neun bu deu reop da.
Wood is usually hard; 부드럽다 sounds odd here.
이 천은 부드럽다.
i cheon-eun bu-deu-reop-da., i cheon eun bu deu reop da.
Fabric with a pleasant, soft texture uses 부드럽다.
이 천은 단단하다.
i cheon-eun dan-dan-ha-da., i cheon eun dan dan ha da.
Fabric is not hard, so 단단하다 is unnatural.
Which word describes a hard and solid object?
Which word is used to express a soft and pleasant texture?
Which word do you use when wood is firm and hard?
Which word suits describing the texture of a cushion?
