Definitions

(adjective) firm; resolute; determined

Etymology phono-semantic

tool

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 毅 combines the radical 殳 on the right, suggesting an action involving striking, with a variation of 豕 (boar) on the left. Its etymology evokes the forceful striking of a stubborn animal, implying unyielding resistance and mental toughness. The core meaning refers to psychological traits: resolute nature, unwavering determination, firmness of purpose, and great fortitude. It describes someone with strong willpower, able to endure hardships, face challenges, and remain steadfast without yielding.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他有坚强的力。

Tā yǒu jiānqiáng de yìlì.

He has strong perseverance.

学习必须要有力。

Xuéxí bìxū yào yǒu yìlì.

Studying must require perseverance.

然决定放弃。

Tā yìrán juédìng fàngqì.

He resolutely decided to give up.

她的眼神非常坚

Tā de yǎnshén fēicháng jiānyì.

Her gaze is very steadfast.

只有力才能克服挑战。

Zhǐyǒu yìlì cáinéng kèfú tiǎozhàn.

Only perseverance can overcome challenges.

他凭着力和勇气成功了。

Tā píngzhe yìlì hé yǒngqì chénggōng le.

He succeeded through perseverance and courage.

在逆境中,他的然态度令人敬佩。

Zài nìjìng zhōng, tā de yìrán tàidù lìng rén jìngpèi.

In adversity, his resolute attitude is admirable.

如果没有力的支撑,任何梦想都难以实现。

Rúguǒ méiyǒu yìlì de zhīchēng, rènhé mèngxiǎng dōu nányǐ shíxiàn.

Without the support of perseverance, any dream is difficult to achieve.