soft, supple

柔 is composed of 矛 (spear) and 木 (wood). 矛 depicts a long-handled, sharp-bladed thrusting weapon. For such a weapon to perform effectively, its wooden shaft must remain pliable, resilient, and flexible—yielding compared to solid, rigid wood. Thus, 柔 uses these components to express the quality of being soft, supple, or gentle.