Definition
硬 (yìng) is a versatile adjective and adverb meaning 'hard' physically or 'firm/stubborn' in attitude. As an adverb it means 'resolutely' or 'with difficulty', contrasting with 刚 (gāng) which is an adverb meaning 'just (a moment ago)' and has no sense of hardness. 僵硬 (jiāngyìng) is a more specific adjective for 'stiff and rigid' (e.g., a stiff body), while 硬 is broader.
adjective
hardstiffsolid (physically)firmtoughstrong (of attitude, character, or quality)
adverb
resolutelystubbornlywith difficultybarely
Easily confused
- 便biànlook-alikethen; in that case (indicating a natural consequence or immediate response)
- 赢yíngsound-aliketo win (a competition, game, etc.)
- 更gènglook-alikemore, even more (degree adverb used in comparisons)
- 应yìngsound-aliketo respond, to answer
- 鹰yīngsound-alikeeagle; hawk; falcon
- 迎yíngsound-aliketo welcome, to greet
Examples
- 硬，。Zhè kuài shítou hěn yìng, zá bù kāi.This rock is very hard; you can't break it open.
- 硬，。Tā de tàidu hěn yìng, bù kěn ràngbù.His attitude is very firm; he won't give in.
- 硬，。Tā yìng yào yí gè rén qù lǚxíng, shuí yě lán bú zhù.He insisted on traveling alone, and no one could stop him.
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