軟化

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 軟化 is read as なんか and is a noun and する verb for a material softening or a firm attitude becoming more moderate.
• Basic usage: A material beginning to soften under heat appears in 素材の軟化が始まる, while both sides’ attitudes moderating appears in 双方の態度が軟化する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Material and attitude
  • It applies both to a physical change in material and to a figurative easing of a hard position.
• Difference from 柔らかくなる
  • Compared with the everyday phrase for becoming soft, this term more formally describes a technical change or moderation of attitude.