About
The character "堪" is structured with the earth radical 土 and the phonetic component 甚, which historically contributed to both sound and the notion of intensity. Etymologically, it originally conveyed the idea of bearing or enduring, likely derived from the earth's capacity to support weight, and in early usage it primarily denoted physical withstandance or tolerance. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond concrete endurance to express abstract suitability or capability, evolving into a verb meaning "to be able to" or "to be worthy of" in contexts requiring resilience or fitness. This semantic shift from a focus on physical burden to broader aptness occurred while the character's compositional form of 土 and 甚 remained unchanged.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这项任务不堪重负。
他的行为堪称模范。
此地风景堪称为一绝。
疲惫不堪的他倒头就睡。
这种混乱局面不堪设想。
其设计之精妙，堪与自然造物媲美。
这段历史不堪回首，却必须铭记。
在诸多挑战面前，他展现出了堪当大任的素质。