Definitions

rěn (verb) to endure; to bear; to tolerate
rěn (verb) to restrain oneself

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "忍", meaning to endure or bear, is structurally composed of "刃" representing a blade and "心" representing the heart, forming an etymological concept of a heart under the pressure of a blade to symbolize enduring adversity. Its historical application in Chinese texts has consistently centered on the notion of forbearance, covering both physical suffering and emotional restraint, with early instances highlighting patience in the face of hardship. Over time, while the core idea of endurance remained unchanged, the semantic scope of "忍" expanded to incorporate moral fortitude and tolerance, reflecting its adaptation within various philosophical contexts that emphasized resilience and self-discipline.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

耐了很久。

Tā rěnnài le hěn jiǔ.

He endured for a long time.

受不了噪音。

Wǒ rěnshòu bùliǎo zàoyīn.

I can't bear the noise.

心拒绝吗?

Tā rěnxīn jùjué ma?

Does she have the heart to refuse?

孩子不住哭了。

Háizi rěn bù zhù kū le.

The child couldn't help but cry.

工作要有耐心。

Gōngzuò yào yǒu nàixīn.

Work requires patience.

就没事了。

Rěn yī rěn jiù méishì le.

Endure a bit and it will be fine.

在压力下,他学会了耐。

Zài yālì xià, tā xuéhuì le rěnnài.

Under pressure, he learned to endure.

面对不公平,他选择耐并继续努力。

Miànduì bù gōngpíng, tā xuǎnzé rěnnài bìng jìxù nǔlì.

Facing unfairness, he chose to endure and continue striving.