堪

kān

土 + 甚

Definitions

kān (verb) to endure; to bear; to withstand

kān (verb) can; may

Etymology

One with a considerable amount 甚 of land 土

About

The character 堪 is a phono-semantic compound, with the left-side earth radical 土 indicating its original connection to terrain or ground, and the right-side component 甚 providing the phonetic value. Initially, it referred to uneven, rugged terrain or small earthen mounds. Over time, its meaning shifted from topography to human capability, coming to signify the ability to endure or bear difficulties, and later functioning as an auxiliary verb meaning "worthy of" or "capable of" a particular action.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这项任务不堪重负。

Zhè xiàng rènwù bùkān zhòngfù.

This task is too heavy to bear.

他的行为堪称模范。

Tā de xíngwéi kānchēng mófàn.

His behavior can be regarded as exemplary.

此地风景堪称为一绝。

Cǐ dì fēngjǐng kānchēng wéi yī jué.

The scenery here can be called absolutely unique.

疲惫不堪的他倒头就睡。

Píbèi bùkān de tā dǎotóu jiù shuì.

Utterly exhausted, he fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

这种混乱局面不堪设想。

Zhè zhǒng hǔnluàn júmiàn bùkān shèxiǎng.

The consequences of this chaotic situation are too ghastly to contemplate.

其设计之精妙，堪与自然造物媲美。

Qí shèjì zhī jīngmiào, kān yǔ zìrán zàowù pìměi.

Its exquisite design can rival the creations of nature.

这段历史不堪回首，却必须铭记。

Zhè duàn lìshǐ bùkān huíshǒu, què bìxū míngjì.

This period of history is too painful to look back on, yet it must be remembered.

在诸多挑战面前，他展现出了堪当大任的素质。

Zài zhūduō tiǎozhàn miànqián, tā zhǎnxiàn chūle kān dāng dàrèn de sùzhì.

In the face of numerous challenges, he demonstrated the qualities worthy of great responsibility.

Related Characters

Component: 土

Component: 甚

堪