Jianying describes objects that are physically dense and resistant to pressure.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes objects that are solid and hard to break.
- Used for physical materials like stone or metal.
- Can metaphorically describe a firm or unyielding character.
1) 概览：坚硬（jiānyìng）是一个描述物理性质的形容词，强调物体内部结构的紧密程度，使其能够抵抗外力而不变形或破碎。它既可以描述具体的物质，也可以引申描述人的性格或意志。
2) 用法：作为形容词，它常置于名词前作为定语（如：坚硬的石头），或放在动词后作为补语（如：地面变得很坚硬）。它也可以与副词“非常”、“特别”连用，加强程度。
3) 常见语境：在建筑领域，常形容材料的耐磨度；在自然科学中，常形容矿物硬度；在文学创作中，常用来比喻人的意志坚定，不屈不挠。
4) 近义词辨析：与“硬”相比，“坚硬”语气更重，强调物质的密度和抗压性；“顽固”则更多用于形容人的思想或态度，而非物理属性。
Examples
这块石头非常坚硬。
everydayThis stone is very hard.
我们需要坚硬的材料来建造地基。
formalWe need hard materials to build the foundation.
他那坚硬的拳头砸向了桌面。
informalHis hard fist hit the table.
该矿物具有极高的坚硬度。
academicThe mineral has extremely high hardness.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
坚硬如铁
as hard as iron
外表坚硬
hard on the outside
坚硬无比
incomparably hard
Often Confused With
General term for anything not soft. Jianying is more specific to density and durability.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Jianying is slightly more formal than the simple 'ying'. It is preferred in descriptive writing and technical contexts. Avoid using it to describe feelings unless you are being poetic.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use it for everything that is not soft. Remember it specifically implies resistance to damage or deformation. It is not suitable for describing soft-hard food textures like 'chewy'.
Tips
Use with physical objects
Pair this word with nouns like rock, ground, or metal to sound natural. It emphasizes resistance to external force.
Avoid using for food
While you can say food is hard, '坚硬' sounds like it is impossible to chew. Use '硬' for bread or meat.
Metaphorical strength
In Chinese culture, being 'hard' like a rock is often a compliment for one's perseverance and integrity.
Word Origin
Derived from 'Jian' (firm/solid) and 'Ying' (hard). Together they reinforce the concept of unyielding physical structure.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, hardness is often associated with the virtue of 'Gang' (rigidity), representing a person who cannot be easily influenced or corrupted.
Memory Tip
Imagine a diamond (hard) being hit by a hammer. It is so 'Jianying' that the hammer breaks instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“硬”是通用词，指代一切不软的物体；“坚硬”侧重于强调物体质地紧密、难以破坏，书面色彩更浓。
可以，常用于形容人的意志或性格像石头一样不可动摇，例如“他有着坚硬的意志”。
属于中性偏书面，在日常对话和正式写作中均可使用。
最直接的反义词是“柔软”或“松软”。
Test Yourself
经过长期的风化，这块岩石变得非常___。
岩石的物理属性是坚硬，符合语境。
Score: /1
Summary
Jianying describes objects that are physically dense and resistant to pressure.
- Describes objects that are solid and hard to break.
- Used for physical materials like stone or metal.
- Can metaphorically describe a firm or unyielding character.
Use with physical objects
Pair this word with nouns like rock, ground, or metal to sound natural. It emphasizes resistance to external force.
Avoid using for food
While you can say food is hard, '坚硬' sounds like it is impossible to chew. Use '硬' for bread or meat.
Metaphorical strength
In Chinese culture, being 'hard' like a rock is often a compliment for one's perseverance and integrity.
Examples
4 of 4这块石头非常坚硬。
This stone is very hard.
我们需要坚硬的材料来建造地基。
We need hard materials to build the foundation.
他那坚硬的拳头砸向了桌面。
His hard fist hit the table.
该矿物具有极高的坚硬度。
The mineral has extremely high hardness.
