Definition
忍 (rěn) is the core verb meaning 'to endure, tolerate, bear' — it often implies holding back emotions or not reacting. It is the root of more specific compounds: 忍受 emphasizes suffering through, 容忍 focuses on tolerating others, 忍耐 stresses patience, and 耐 is about withstanding conditions.
verb
to endureto tolerateto bear
Easily confused
- 人rénsound-alikeperson; people
- 认rènsound-aliketo recognize, to identify
- 任rènsound-aliketo appoint, to assign (someone to a post)
Examples
- 忍。Tā rěn zhù le méiyǒu kū chūlái.He held back and didn't cry.
- ，忍。Wǒ jiǎo hěn téng, dàn zhǐ néng rěn zhe.My foot hurts a lot, but I just have to bear it.
- ，忍！Děng zhème jiǔ nǐ dōu bù shēngqì, zhēn néng rěn!You've waited so long without getting angry — you really can endure it!
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