耐

nài

寸 + 而

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

nài (verb) to endure; to bear; to withstand

Etymology

Pictograph of a beard (而) being removed from the face by a hand (寸). Based on the original meaning "make the head bald as punishment", now written as 髡. The meaning later shifted to "tolerate" and "endure".

About

耐 is a phono-semantic compound with 而 on the left, originally depicting a beard but serving as the phonetic component, and 寸 on the right, meaning a rule or hand action. Its etymology traces to an ancient punishment of shaving a beard, requiring the person to bear humiliation and consequence. From this context, the meaning broadened to enduring hardship, bearing pain, and showing patience. Today, it describes both durable materials and people with stamina.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个产品很耐用。

Zhège chǎnpǐn hěn nàiyòng.

This product is very durable.

他耐心地等待朋友。

Tā nàixīn de děngdài péngyou.

He patiently waits for his friend.

你要学会忍耐挫折。

Nǐ yào xuéhuì rěnnài cuòzhé.

You need to learn to endure setbacks.

这种材料耐高温。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào nài gāowēn.

This material is resistant to high temperatures.

我们必须忍耐暂时的困难。

Wǒmen bìxū rěnnài zànshí de kùnnan.

We must endure temporary difficulties.

这块手表防水又耐摔。

Zhè kuài shǒubiǎo fángshuǐ yòu nài shuāi.

This watch is both waterproof and shock-resistant.

他表现出惊人的耐心和耐力。

Tā biǎoxiàn chū jīngrén de nàixīn hé nàilì.

He displayed amazing patience and endurance.

枯燥的重复工作极考验人的耐性。

Kūzào de chóngfù gōngzuò jí kǎoyàn rén de nàixìng.

Repetitive and boring work severely tests a person's patience.

Related Characters

Component: 寸

Component: 而

耐