‘宽容’ (kuān róng) is a compound word meaning ‘tolerance’ or ‘forgiveness’ — the willingness to accept differences, overlook mistakes, or pardon others without resentment. The first character 宽 (kuān) means ‘broad’ or ‘spacious’, suggesting mental openness and emotional room for others; the second character 容 (róng) means ‘to accommodate’ or ‘to accept’, reinforcing the idea of making space for people, ideas, or behaviors that differ from one’s own. Together, they evoke a generous, non-judgmental attitude rooted in empathy and maturity.

This word is commonly used in moral, interpersonal, and educational contexts — for example, when praising someone’s patient response to a friend’s error, or advocating for social acceptance of diverse beliefs or lifestyles. It carries a positive, somewhat formal or literary tone, often appearing in speeches, essays, or advice about harmonious relationships. While it can describe a person’s character (e.g., 他很宽容), it more frequently functions as an abstract noun (e.g., 表现出宽容).