About
The character 忍 is a phonetic-semantic compound consisting of the phonetic component 刃 (rèn), meaning "blade", and the semantic component 心 (xīn), meaning "heart", which together evoke the concept of enduring distress as if under a blade's pressure. Etymologically, this structure reflects an early association with bearing mental or emotional hardship, leading to its primary historical meaning of patience and forbearance. While the core sense of endurance remains central, the character's usage expanded to include tolerating adversity and, in certain contexts, conveying cruelty or ruthlessness through sustained indifference.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他忍耐了很久。
我忍受不了噪音。
她忍心拒绝吗？
孩子忍不住哭了。
工作要有耐心。
忍一忍就没事了。
在压力下，他学会了忍耐。
面对不公平，他选择忍耐并继续努力。