About
The character 坚 (jiān) is a phono-semantic compound, corresponding to the traditional form 堅. Its structure uses the radical 土 (tǔ, earth/soil) at the bottom to establish the core meaning of solidity, with the component 臤 (qiān) at the top providing the phonetic element. This composition originally described earth that was compacted and hard. The simplified form 坚 retains the earth radical for its foundational meaning of structural firmness, while simplifying the upper phonetic component. From this literal sense of hard, unyielding ground, the character's meaning extended metaphorically to describe physically tough materials and, by analogy, steadfast human qualities like determination and perseverance.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我坚持每天跑步。
她是一个坚强的人。
他坚定了自己的决心。
这块石头非常坚硬。
我们坚决支持这个决定。
这座桥建造得很坚固。
他以坚毅的精神克服了困难。
在逆境中，她始终坚守自己的信念。