hard

JLPT N5 12 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (yìng) primarily describes something physically hard, stiff, or solid, such as a stone or a surface. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's behavior when they insist on doing something despite difficulties or objections, implying a sense of stubbornness or forcing something.

Common Collocations

  • 硬币 (yìngbì): coin (literally 'hard currency')
  • (yìngpán): hard drive
  • (yìngzhe tóupí): to force oneself to do something reluctantly

Usage Notes

When is used to describe objects, it emphasizes physical hardness or firmness. When used with people or actions, it often conveys a sense of forcing or insisting, sometimes against better judgment. It is different from (ruǎn), which means soft, and from 坚强 (jiānqiáng), which means strong but more in a mental or emotional sense.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (qiáng), which means strong or powerful. focuses on hardness or rigidity, while is broader and can refer to strength in various contexts.

Example Sentences

This stone is very hard; even a knife can't cut it.

He insisted on participating in the competition, even though he was not

This chair feels very hard to sit on, not very comfortable.