毅

yì

殳 + 豙

Definitions

yì (adjective) firm; resolute; determined

Etymology phono-semantic

tool

Semantic: 殳 Phonetic: 豙

About

毅 combines the right-side component 殳, depicting a hand wielding a striking weapon or tool, with a left-side variant of 豕 (boar). This structure evokes the forceful striking of a stubborn animal, an image that conveys unyielding resistance and mental toughness. Rather than a physical action, the character denotes a psychological trait: resolute determination, firmness of purpose, and fortitude. It describes someone with the strong willpower to endure severe hardships, face difficult challenges, and remain steadfast without yielding to external pressure.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他有坚强的毅力。

Tā yǒu jiānqiáng de yìlì.

He has strong perseverance.

学习必须要有毅力。

Xuéxí bìxū yào yǒu yìlì.

Studying must require perseverance.

他毅然决定放弃。

Tā yìrán juédìng fàngqì.

He resolutely decided to give up.

她的眼神非常坚毅。

Tā de yǎnshén fēicháng jiānyì.

Her gaze is very steadfast.

只有毅力才能克服挑战。

Zhǐyǒu yìlì cáinéng kèfú tiǎozhàn.

Only perseverance can overcome challenges.

他凭着毅力和勇气成功了。

Tā píngzhe yìlì hé yǒngqì chénggōng le.

He succeeded through perseverance and courage.

在逆境中，他的毅然态度令人敬佩。

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

In adversity, his resolute attitude is admirable.

如果没有毅力的支撑，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.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 殳

毅