软化 (ruǎn huà) is a verb meaning 'to soften' or 'to mollify'—literally combining 软 (ruǎn, 'soft') and 化 (huà, 'to change, transform'). It describes a process where something physically becomes less hard or rigid, or figuratively becomes more flexible, agreeable, or less resistant. In technical contexts, it often refers to chemical or medical processes—for example, softening arterial plaque or treating hardened tissue. In interpersonal use, it can describe efforts to ease tension or make someone more receptive, though this usage is less common in everyday speech and carries a slightly formal or literary tone.

The word frequently appears in health, medicine, and engineering domains: water softening (软化水), dental enamel softening (牙釉质软化), or diplomatic efforts to soften a stance (软化立场). It implies gradual, intentional change rather than sudden or accidental softening. As a compound verb, it typically takes an object and may be modified by adverbs like 逐渐 (gradually) or 完全 (completely).