坚

堅

jiān

〢 + 又 + 土

Definitions

jiān (adjective) firm; strong; solid

jiān (adjective) resolute; unyielding

Etymology

Simplified form of 堅. Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 臤 represents the sound.

About

坚 (jiān) is the simplified form of 堅, a phono-semantic compound that combines the earth radical 土 with the phonetic component 臤 (qiān). The simplified character retains 土 while replacing the intricate 臤 with a streamlined element. Originally denoting hard, compacted earth, its meaning later broadened metaphorically to describe any tough or unyielding material, and further to abstract human qualities such as a resolute will and steadfast persistence.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我坚持每天跑步。

Wǒ jiānchí měitiān pǎobù.

I insist on running every day.

她是一个坚强的人。

Tā shì yīgè jiānqiáng de rén.

She is a strong person.

他坚定了自己的决心。

Tā jiāndìng le zìjǐ de juéxīn.

He strengthened his determination.

这块石头非常坚硬。

Zhè kuài shítou fēicháng jiānyìng.

This stone is very hard.

我们坚决支持这个决定。

Wǒmen jiānjué zhīchí zhège juédìng.

We resolutely support this decision.

这座桥建造得很坚固。

Zhè zuò qiáo jiànzào de hěn jiāngù.

This bridge is built very sturdy.

他以坚毅的精神克服了困难。

Tā yǐ jiānyì de jīngshén kèfú le kùnnán.

He overcame difficulties with steadfast spirit.

在逆境中，她始终坚守自己的信念。

Zài nìjìng zhōng, tā shǐzhōng jiānshǒu zìjǐ de xìnniàn.

In adversity, she always holds fast to her beliefs.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 〢

Component: 又

Component: 土

坚