Definitions

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

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "抗" is structured with the hand radical (扌) on the left, indicating action related to the hand, and the component "亢" on the right, which primarily serves as a phonetic element but also carries connotations of height or intensity. Etymologically, it originated from the concept of using hands to push against or oppose something, establishing its core meaning of "to resist" or "to oppose". Over centuries, its semantic scope broadened from denoting physical resistance to encompassing abstract forms of opposition and defense, as seen in compound words like "抗議" for protest or "抗體" for antibody, reflecting an extended use in contexts of conflict, disease, and ideological defiance.

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.