Japanese meaning of 外柔内剛
Reading:
がいじゅうないごう (gaijuu naigou)
English Translation:
Gentle outwardly but firm inwardly
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Outwardly gentle, inwardly firm and resolute.
外見や態度は柔和だが、内面は強く意志が固いこと。
Cultural Context:
Praised in leadership, negotiation, and diplomacy for balancing approachability with determination.
リーダー像・交渉・外交で、親しみやすさと意思の強さの両立を評価する際に用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for gentle appearance with inner strength; often with “な人.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as two-faced.
Example
Basic Example
彼は外柔内剛な人物だ。
He is gentle outwardly but firm inwardly.
Applied Example
笑顔は柔らかいが、彼女の瞳は外柔内剛の意志を秘めていた。
Her smile was gentle, but her eyes held the will of someone gentle outwardly but firm inwardly.