Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 外柔内剛
Reading:
Voice sample:
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.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
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.”
日本語で読む
• 外見は穏やかだが内面に強さを持つ様子を表し、「〜な人」と組み合わせることが多い。
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as two-faced.
日本語で読む
二面性と誤解されることがある。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は外柔内剛な人物だ。
He is gentle outwardly but firm inwardly.
Example 2Applied 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.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「外柔内剛」 mean?