Definitions

kàng (verb) to resist; to oppose
kàng (adjective) anti-

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "抗" combines the hand radical (扌) with the phonetic and semantic component "亢", which originally suggested height or elevation, thus imparting a sense of lifting or raising against something. Its etymology centers on the act of physical opposition, such as pushing back or holding up, and over time its meaning extended to include broader concepts of resistance, defiance, and endurance against various pressures or threats. This evolution allowed the character to move beyond mere physical confrontation to describe abstract opposition, as seen in its role in forming compounds that denote countering phenomena, from diseases to social injustices, while maintaining its fundamental association with active resistance.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

病需要增强体质。

Kàng bìng xūyào zēngqiáng tǐzhì.

Resisting illness requires strengthening one's physical fitness.

医生给我开了生素。

Yīshēng gěi wǒ kāile kàngshēngsù.

The doctor prescribed antibiotics for me.

农民们积极旱。

Nóngmínmen jījí kànghàn.

The farmers are actively fighting the drought.

民众上街议示威。

Mínzhòng shàngjiē kàngyì shìwēi.

The public took to the streets to protest and demonstrate.

日战争持续了十四年。

Kàng Rì Zhànzhēng chíxùle shí sì nián.

The War of Resistance Against Japan lasted for fourteen years.

压能力很强。

Tā kàngyā nénglì hěn qiáng.

He has a strong ability to withstand pressure.

军民团结一心灾。

Jūnmín tuánjié yīxīn kàngzāi.

The military and civilians united as one to combat the disaster.

他在法庭上提出辩。

Tā zài fǎtíng shàng tíchū kàngbiàn.

He entered a plea in court.