耐

nài

寸 + 而

HSK 3.0Level 7

Frequency#1409

Definitions

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

Etymology

Pictograph of a beard (而) being removed from the face by a hand (寸). Based on the original meaning "make the head bald as punishment", now written as 髡. The meaning later shifted to "tolerate" and "endure".

About

The character 耐, structured with the component 而 on the left and 寸 on the right, derives from an early association with enduring a penalty, specifically the shaving of a beard symbolized by 而, while 寸 contributed the sense of rule or measure. This etymology established its fundamental meaning of to endure or withstand, which later broadened to encompass related concepts like patience and durability in modern lexical compounds.

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

这个产品很耐用。

Zhège chǎnpǐn hěn nàiyòng.

This product is very durable.

他耐心地等待朋友。

Tā nàixīn de děngdài péngyou.

He patiently waits for his friend.

你要学会忍耐挫折。

Nǐ yào xuéhuì rěnnài cuòzhé.

You need to learn to endure setbacks.

这种材料耐高温。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào nài gāowēn.

This material is resistant to high temperatures.

我们必须忍耐暂时的困难。

Wǒmen bìxū rěnnài zànshí de kùnnan.

We must endure temporary difficulties.

这块手表防水又耐摔。

Zhè kuài shǒubiǎo fángshuǐ yòu nài shuāi.

This watch is both waterproof and shock-resistant.

他表现出惊人的耐心和耐力。

Tā biǎoxiàn chū jīngrén de nàixīn hé nàilì.

He displayed amazing patience and endurance.

枯燥的重复工作极考验人的耐性。

Kūzào de chóngfù gōngzuò jí kǎoyàn rén de nàixìng.

Repetitive and boring work severely tests a person's patience.

Related Characters

Component: 寸

Component: 而

耐