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B2 verb 6 min read

坚守

jian shou
Examples Notes & Tips 坚守 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 坚守 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 坚守 (jiānshǒu) as a very strong way to say 'stay' or 'keep.' While you might not use this word yourself in basic conversations, you might see it in simple signs or posters. Imagine a guard standing at a door—he is '坚守' (staying/guarding). For an A1 learner, the focus should be on the two parts: 坚 (firm) and 守 (guard). Think of it like being a 'firm guard.' If you stay at your desk to finish homework when your friends go out to play, you are 坚守 your desk. In simple Chinese, we often use 坚持 (jiānchí) for 'keep doing,' but 坚守 is specifically about 'staying in a place' or 'keeping a promise.' Even at this level, knowing that '守' means to guard or watch over something will help you understand many other words like 守时 (be on time) or 看守 (watch over). Just remember: 坚守 is like a super-strong version of 'stay.'
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For A2 learners, 坚守 starts to appear in contexts related to jobs and responsibilities. You might learn the phrase '坚守岗位' (jiānshǒu gǎngwèi), which means to stay at your work post. This is a very common phrase in China. For example, if a nurse stays at the hospital during a big storm, people will say she is 坚守岗位. At this level, you should start to distinguish it from 坚持. While 坚持 is about an action (like 坚持学习 - keep studying), 坚守 is about a duty or a place. You can also use it for simple promises. If you tell a friend you will wait for them at the park and you stay there even when it starts to rain, you are 坚守 your promise. It shows that you are a reliable person. Try to recognize the character 守 in other words too, like 守法 (obey the law). The word 坚守 is a 'heroic' word; it makes the person sound very dedicated and brave.
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At the B1 level, you should begin using 坚守 to describe character traits and professional ethics. This is where the word becomes more abstract. You don't just 坚守 a physical place; you 坚守 a 'bottom line' (底线 - dǐxiàn) or a 'principle' (原则 - yuánzé). For instance, if a businessman refuses to lie to a customer even if it means losing money, he is 坚守原则. This word is very useful for writing essays about role models or discussing work ethics. You will also notice it in news reports. When a disaster happens, the news will focus on those who '坚守' on the front lines. Grammatically, you should practice using it with the particle '着' (坚守着) to show a continuous state of guarding. You might say, '他一直坚守着自己的梦想' (He has been holding fast to his dream). This level requires you to understand that 坚守 implies there is some pressure or difficulty that makes staying hard, but the person does it anyway.
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B2 is the target level for mastering 坚守. At this stage, you should understand the nuance between 坚守, 恪守, and 固守. 坚守 is the most versatile and generally positive word for holding fast to something. You should be able to use it in complex sentences with various adverbs. For example, '默默坚守' (silently holding fast) is a common way to describe unsung heroes. You should also be familiar with the phrase '坚守初心' (staying true to one's original intention), which is a very popular idiom in modern Chinese political and social discourse. In B2 level reading and listening, 坚守 often appears in the context of cultural preservation—people who 坚守 traditional crafts or languages. You should be able to explain *why* someone is 坚守-ing: usually because they have a strong sense of mission (使命感) or responsibility (责任感). It is no longer just about 'staying,' but about 'upholding a value' against the tide of change or modern convenience.
At the C1 level, your use of 坚守 should be precise and sophisticated. You should understand its use in literary and academic contexts. For instance, in a discussion about philosophy, you might talk about '坚守真理' (holding fast to the truth). In a historical analysis, you might discuss how a general '坚守孤城' (held a lonely, besieged city). You should also be able to recognize the word's rhetorical power in speeches. 坚守 is often used to create a sense of moral weight and historical continuity. You should also explore the negative space of the word: what happens when someone *fails* to 坚守? They might '背弃' (betray) their principles or '动摇' (waver). Understanding these antonyms helps define the boundaries of 坚守. Furthermore, at this level, you can use 坚守 in professional writing to describe a company's commitment to quality or environmental standards, moving beyond the personal to the institutional level.
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For C2 learners, 坚守 is a tool for nuanced expression in high-level discourse. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of 坚守 in a rapidly changing world. Is 坚守 always a virtue, or can it become 固守 (stubbornly clinging to the past)? You should be able to use the word in sophisticated metaphors, such as '坚守精神家园' (guarding one's spiritual home). In literary criticism, you might analyze a character's '坚守' as their defining tragic or heroic flaw. Your mastery should include an understanding of how 坚守 interacts with other high-level vocabulary like 冗余, 嬗变, or 归宿. You should be able to write critiques or persuasive pieces where 坚守 serves as a central theme, articulating the tension between progress and the preservation of core values. At this level, 坚守 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual framework for discussing integrity, resilience, and the human condition.
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Examples Notes & Tips

坚守 in 30 Seconds

  • To hold fast to a post, position, or principle with great resolve.
  • Commonly used in professional, military, and ethical contexts to show dedication.
  • Stronger and more formal than '坚持' (jiānchí), implying a protective stance.
  • Key collocations include 坚守岗位 (stay at post) and 坚守原则 (stick to principles).

The Chinese verb 坚守 (jiānshǒu) is a powerful term that combines the concepts of firmness and protection. At its core, it means to stick to, hold fast to, or remain at a post or position with unwavering resolve. Unlike simple persistence, 坚守 implies a defensive or protective stance, as if one is guarding something precious or essential against external pressure, temptation, or adversity.

Etymological Root
The character 坚 (jiān) signifies hardness, solidity, or firmness, like a rock. The character 守 (shǒu) means to guard, watch over, or keep. Together, they form the image of 'guarding firmly.'
Physical Usage
In a literal sense, it is used for soldiers guarding a border or doctors staying at their posts during a crisis. It suggests physically staying put when others might leave.
Abstract Usage
Metaphorically, it refers to adhering to principles, ethics, or a 'bottom line' (底线). It is the act of not compromising one's values despite social pressure or personal gain.

无论环境多么恶劣，他始终坚守在自己的岗位上。(No matter how bad the environment is, he always sticks to his post.)

作为一名记者，他坚守着真实报道的底线。(As a journalist, he holds fast to the bottom line of truthful reporting.)

在金钱面前，她依然坚守着自己的职业道德。(In the face of money, she still holds fast to her professional ethics.)

老教授几十年如一日，坚守在科研第一线。(The old professor has stayed at the front line of scientific research for decades.)

我们要坚守初心，不忘使命。(We must stick to our original intention and not forget our mission.)

In summary, 坚守 is used when describing heroes, dedicated professionals, or people of high integrity. It is a word that commands respect. Whether it is a soldier at the border, a teacher in a remote mountain village, or a scientist working on a lonely project, 坚守 captures the essence of their dedication. It is about the 'staying power' in the face of isolation or hardship.

Using 坚守 correctly requires understanding its typical objects. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object that represents a location, a role, or a conceptual standard.

Pattern 1: 坚守 + 岗位 (Post/Duty)
This is the most common collocation. It refers to staying at one's work position, especially when it is difficult to do so. Example: 医生们在疫情期间坚守岗位。
Pattern 2: 坚守 + 原则/底线 (Principle/Bottom Line)
This refers to moral or ethical steadfastness. Example: 他在诱惑面前坚守原则。
Pattern 3: 坚守 + 阵地 (Position/Front Line)
Often used in military contexts or competitive business environments. Example: 战士们誓死坚守阵地。

Grammatically, 坚守 is often preceded by adverbs that emphasize duration or intensity, such as 始终 (shǐzhōng - from beginning to end), 默默 (mòmò - silently), or 誓死 (shìsǐ - vowing to die). It can also be used in the 'V + 着' form to indicate an ongoing state of guarding.

他坚守着对家人的承诺。(He is holding fast to his promise to his family.)

When used in a sentence, 坚守 often carries a positive connotation. It suggests that the person staying is doing something noble. If you want to describe someone who is stubborn in a negative way, you might use 固执 (gùzhí) or 墨守成规 (mòshǒuchéngguī) instead.

You will encounter 坚守 in various professional and formal contexts. It is a staple of news broadcasting and official speeches, but it also appears in literature and daily discussions about values.

News & Media
During natural disasters or public holidays, news anchors often praise workers who '坚守岗位' (stay at their posts) while others are at home. It is used to highlight social responsibility.
Workplace & Business
In annual performance reviews or company slogans, you might see '坚守初心' (staying true to the original mission). It emphasizes brand integrity or long-term vision.
Legal & Ethical Discussions
When discussing corruption or scandals, commentators will talk about whether individuals '坚守底线' (held their bottom line). This refers to the minimum standard of behavior one should never cross.

In pop culture, you might hear this word in lyrics of songs about dreams or unrequited love, where the singer '坚守' a promise or a memory. It adds a touch of romanticism and tragedy to the persistence. In historical dramas, generals often shout '坚守城池' (hold the city walls) during siege scenes.

Learners often confuse 坚守 with other words related to 'sticking to' or 'insisting.' Understanding the nuance is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: 坚守 vs. 坚持 (jiānchí)
坚持 is about the *action* of continuing. You 坚持跑步 (persist in running). 坚守 is about the *position* or *standard*. You don't '坚守' running; you '坚守' your post while others run away.
Mistake 2: 坚守 vs. 遵守 (zūnshǒu)
遵守 means to obey or follow (rules/laws). 坚守 is much stronger. If you 遵守 the law, you are just a good citizen. If you 坚守 your principles, you are a person of great character who refuses to budge even under threat.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Objects
You cannot 坚守 a habit or a hobby. You can only 坚守 something that involves a duty, a location, or a moral boundary. Avoid saying '坚守学习' (incorrect); use '坚持学习' instead.

Another subtle mistake is using 坚守 for negative things. You wouldn't say someone '坚守他们的错误' (held fast to their mistake) unless you are being ironic. For negative persistence, use 固执己见 (gùzhíjǐjiàn - stubbornly clinging to one's own opinion).

There are several synonyms that overlap with 坚守, but each has a specific 'flavor' or register.

恪守 (kèshǒu)
More formal than 坚守. It usually refers to strictly adhering to regulations, treaties, or traditions. It has a connotation of 'scrupulousness.' Example: 恪守诺言 (scrupulously keep a promise).
固守 (gùshǒu)
Often used in military contexts (holding a fort) or to describe someone who is overly conservative and refuses to change their ways. It can be slightly negative. Example: 固守成法 (sticking stubbornly to old methods).
秉持 (bǐngchí)
To uphold or maintain (a belief/attitude). It is less about 'guarding' and more about 'carrying' a value forward. Example: 秉持公正 (uphold justice).

If you are looking for an alternative in a casual conversation, you might just say 坚持到底 (jiānchí dàodǐ - persist to the end) or 守住 (shǒuzhù - hold/keep). However, in writing, 坚守 adds a level of dignity and weight that these simpler terms lack. It paints a picture of a sentinel standing tall against the wind.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '守' was originally used for officials who governed prefectures, implying that their primary job was to 'guard' the peace and order of the land.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiæn ʃoʊ/
US /dʒiæn ʃoʊ/
Level tone on 'jiān', dipping tone on 'shǒu'.
Rhymes With
天 (tiān) 边 (biān) 口 (kǒu) 手 (shǒu) 走 (zǒu) 年 (nián) 前 (qián) 酒 (jiǔ)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'shou' as 'shu' (like shoe).
  • Using the second tone for 'jian' instead of the first.
  • Confusing the 'j' sound with 'zh'.
  • Mixing up the third tone of 'shou' with the fourth tone.
  • Not sustaining the first tone long enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Recognizable in news and formal texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of specific collocations.

Speaking 3/5

Used in formal speeches or serious discussions.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

坚持 守 坚定 岗位 原则

Learn Next

恪守 捍卫 秉持 砥砺 初心

Advanced

固守成规 坚贞不屈 守望相助

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

坚守住 (Hold fast successfully)

Duration with Verbs

坚守了三年 (Held fast for three years)

Aspect Particle '着'

坚守着梦想 (Holding fast to a dream)

Adverbial Placement

在困难中坚守 (Hold fast amidst difficulties)

Object Placement

坚守原则 (Stick to principles - Verb-Object)

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Examples by Level

1

他在门口坚守。

He is guarding at the door.

Simple Subject + Verb + Location.

2

我们要坚守这里。

We must hold this place.

Modal verb '要' + 坚守.

3

老师坚守在教室里。

The teacher stays in the classroom.

Prepositional phrase '在...里' follows the verb.

4

小狗在坚守它的骨头。

The puppy is guarding its bone.

Using 坚守 for a physical object.

5

他在坚守他的位子。

He is holding his seat.

Possessive '他的' + object.

6

我们要坚守那个秘密。

We must keep that secret.

坚守 can be used for abstract things like secrets.

7

他一直坚守在那儿。

He has been staying there all the time.

Adverb '一直' indicates duration.

8

请坚守你的岗位。

Please stay at your post.

Imperative sentence using '请'.

1

医生在手术室坚守了十小时。

The doctor stayed in the operating room for ten hours.

Duration '十小时' follows the verb.

2

他坚守着对朋友的承诺。

He is holding fast to his promise to his friend.

Particle '着' indicates an ongoing state.

3

警察在寒风中坚守岗位。

The police officer stayed at his post in the cold wind.

Adverbial phrase '在寒风中' describes the condition.

4

虽然很累，但他依然坚守。

Although very tired, he still held fast.

Conjunction '虽然...但' structure.

5

我们要坚守国家的边界。

We must guard the country's borders.

Formal object '国家的边界'.

6

这位老人坚守着古老的传统。

This old man holds fast to ancient traditions.

Abstract object '古老的传统'.

7

他在比赛中坚守到了最后。

He held on until the end in the competition.

Resultative complement '到最后'.

8

她坚守着自己的小店。

She is sticking to her small shop.

Showing dedication to a business.

1

作为法官，他必须坚守法律的底线。

As a judge, he must hold fast to the bottom line of the law.

Abstract object '法律的底线'.

2

在利益面前，我们要坚守原则。

In the face of interests (profit), we must stick to our principles.

Prepositional phrase '在...面前'.

3

他默默地在边疆坚守了三十年。

He silently stayed at the frontier for thirty years.

Adverb '默默地' adds emotional depth.

4

坚守梦想并不容易，但值得。

Sticking to dreams is not easy, but it is worth it.

坚守 used as a gerund/subject.

5

我们要坚守这片绿色的土地。

We must protect this green land.

Metaphorical use for environmental protection.

6

他坚守在科研第一线，从不放弃。

He stays at the front line of scientific research and never gives up.

Common phrase '科研第一线'.

7

只有坚守初心，才能走向成功。

Only by staying true to one's original intention can one achieve success.

Conditional '只有...才' structure.

8

他们在孤岛上坚守，等待救援。

They held fast on the isolated island, waiting for rescue.

Physical survival context.

1

他以顽强的毅力坚守着这块阵地。

He held this position with tenacious perseverance.

Manner phrase '以...毅力'.

2

新闻工作者应当坚守职业道德。

Journalists should hold fast to professional ethics.

Formal requirement '应当'.

3

在动荡的时代，坚守信仰是伟大的。

In turbulent times, holding fast to one's faith is great.

Discussing philosophical values.

4

她坚守着那份纯真的感情。

She held fast to that pure emotion.

Describing emotional steadfastness.

5

企业在竞争中要坚守质量关。

Enterprises must stick to quality control during competition.

Business context: '质量关' (quality gate).

6

他拒绝了高薪，选择坚守在农村教学。

He refused a high salary and chose to stay and teach in the countryside.

Showing sacrifice and dedication.

7

我们要坚守文化自信，传承优良传统。

We must hold fast to cultural self-confidence and pass on fine traditions.

Modern socio-political terminology.

8

无论别人怎么说，他都坚守自己的见解。

No matter what others say, he sticks to his own views.

Concession clause '无论...都'.

1

在这场博弈中，双方都在坚守底线。

In this game (negotiation), both sides are holding their bottom lines.

Using '博弈' (game theory/negotiation).

2

他的一生都在坚守对真理的追求。

His whole life has been a steadfast pursuit of truth.

Abstract and high-register object.

3

这种坚守不仅仅是责任，更是一种信仰。

This kind of holding fast is not just a responsibility, but a faith.

Correlative conjunctions '不仅仅...更是'.

4

在物欲横流的社会，坚守内心的一方净土。

In a materialistic society, guarding a piece of pure land in one's heart.

Literary and metaphorical language.

5

这位建筑师始终坚守着简约的设计理念。

This architect has always held fast to the design philosophy of simplicity.

Professional philosophy context.

6

我们要坚守国际公平正义的立场。

We must uphold the position of international fairness and justice.

Diplomatic/Political register.

7

他用生命坚守了入党时的誓言。

He upheld the oath he took when joining the party with his life.

Strong emotional and political weight.

8

在数字化浪潮中，他依然坚守纸质书的出版。

Amidst the digital wave, he still sticks to the publication of paper books.

Discussing industry trends.

1

他以孤臣孽子般的决绝，坚守着那座废墟。

With the determination of a loyal official in a fallen state, he held fast to those ruins.

Using advanced literary allusions (孤臣孽子).

2

这种对学术严谨性的坚守，在当今实属罕见。

This steadfastness toward academic rigor is truly rare nowadays.

Critiquing modern trends.

3

坚守并不意味着僵化，而是一种动态的平衡。

Holding fast does not mean stagnation, but a kind of dynamic balance.

Philosophical paradox.

4

他笔下的角色往往在绝境中展现出感人的坚守。

The characters in his writing often show touching steadfastness in desperate situations.

Literary analysis.

5

我们要坚守人类命运共同体的核心价值观。

We must uphold the core values of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Highest level of political discourse.

6

在历史的长河中，总有人在默默坚守文明的火种。

In the long river of history, there are always people silently guarding the sparks of civilization.

Grand historical metaphor.

7

他那种近乎偏执的坚守，最终赢得了世人的尊敬。

His almost paranoid steadfastness eventually won the world's respect.

Nuanced description of character.

8

坚守一份孤独，亦是坚守一份高贵。

Holding onto loneliness is also holding onto nobility.

Aphoristic and poetic style.

Common Collocations

坚守岗位
坚守原则
坚守底线
坚守阵地
坚守初心
坚守承诺
坚守信仰
坚守秘密
坚守一线
默默坚守

Common Phrases

坚守到底

— To hold fast until the very end.

无论多么困难，我们都要坚守到底。

坚守实业

— To stick to the real economy/manufacturing (often used in business news).

许多企业家选择坚守实业。

坚守本色

— To remain true to one's original character or qualities.

成名后他依然坚守本色。

坚守清贫

— To stick to a simple/poor life for a cause (noble).

乡村教师坚守清贫，教书育人。

坚守一份宁静

— To maintain a sense of peace in a busy world.

在闹市中坚守一份宁静。

坚守正义

— To uphold justice.

法律的尊严需要我们共同坚守正义。

坚守职责

— To stick to one's duties.

每个人都应坚守职责。

坚守高洁

— To maintain one's purity and nobility of character.

如荷花般坚守高洁。

坚守阵线

— To hold the line (political or social).

在环保问题上坚守阵线。

坚守耕耘

— To keep working hard (like farming).

在学术领域坚守耕耘。

Idioms & Expressions

"坚守不渝"

— To remain steadfast and never change.

他对理想的追求坚守不渝。

Literary
"墨守成规"

— To stick to old conventions stubbornly (Negative).

我们不能墨守成规，要勇于创新。

Common
"从一而终"

— To be faithful from beginning to end (often marriage/career).

他在职业生涯中从一而终，坚守这一行。

Literary
"守口如瓶"

— To keep one's mouth shut like a bottle (keep secrets).

他坚守秘密，守口如瓶。

Common
"抱残守缺"

— To cling to the old and outmoded.

坚守传统不代表抱残守缺。

Literary
"坚贞不屈"

— Firm and unyielding (often for loyalty).

面对敌人，他坚贞不屈。

Formal
"始终如一"

— Consistent from start to finish.

他对工作的态度始终如一。

Neutral
"安分守己"

— To know one's place and mind one's business.

他是一个安分守己的坚守者。

Neutral
"固若金汤"

— Strong as a wall of metal and a moat of boiling water (unbreakable defense).

阵地在他们的坚守下固若金汤。

Literary
"不忘初心"

— Don't forget the original intention.

只有不忘初心，才能坚守到底。

Common

Word Family

Nouns

坚守者 (jiānshǒuzhě - one who holds fast)

Verbs

坚守 (jiānshǒu - to hold fast)

Adjectives

坚定的 (jiāndìng de - firm)

Related

坚持
守卫
坚定
守信
固守
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a soldier standing on a rock (坚 - firm) under a roof (守 - guard). He is the 'Firm Guard' who never leaves.

Visual Association

Visualize a lighthouse in a storm. It is '坚守'ing its position to guide ships, no matter how hard the waves hit.

Word Web

岗位 原则 阵地 初心 底线 孤独 信仰 承诺

Challenge

Try to use '坚守' in a sentence about your biggest dream. Why do you need to '坚守' it?

Word Origin

The word is composed of two ancient characters. '坚' (jiān) originally depicted a person kneading clay to make it hard, later evolving to mean 'firm' or 'solid'. '守' (shǒu) shows a roof (宀) over a hand or a person, originally meaning to manage a household or territory.

Original meaning: To guard a fortified position with firmness.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive and safe word to use.

Closest equivalents are 'holding the fort' or 'sticking to one's guns,' but 坚守 is more formal and noble.

Su Wu (Historical figure who held fast to his mission). The movie 'The Eight Hundred' (Soldiers 坚守 the warehouse). The phrase '不忘初心，方得始终' (Stay true to your original intention).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

  • 坚守岗位
  • 坚守职责
  • 坚守一线
  • 默默坚守

Ethics

  • 坚守原则
  • 坚守底线
  • 坚守良知
  • 坚守信用

Dreams

  • 坚守梦想
  • 坚守初心
  • 坚守希望
  • 坚守追求

Military

  • 坚守阵地
  • 坚守城池
  • 誓死坚守
  • 坚守边疆

Culture

  • 坚守传统
  • 坚守文化
  • 坚守技艺
  • 坚守本色

Conversation Starters

"你在工作中是如何坚守自己的原则的？ (How do you stick to your principles at work?)"

"你觉得现在的年轻人还能坚守传统文化吗？ (Do you think young people today can still hold fast to traditional culture?)"

"在困难面前，是什么让你选择坚守而不是放弃？ (In the face of difficulty, what makes you choose to hold fast instead of giving up?)"

"你最佩服哪种默默坚守的人？ (Which kind of person who silently holds fast do you admire most?)"

"坚守初心对你来说意味着什么？ (What does staying true to your original intention mean to you?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你曾经坚守的一个承诺及其背后的故事。 (Write about a promise you once held fast to and the story behind it.)

讨论在现代社会坚守底线的重要性。 (Discuss the importance of holding the bottom line in modern society.)

如果你是一名边防战士，你会如何坚守自己的岗位？ (If you were a border guard, how would you stay at your post?)

分析‘坚守’与‘变通’（flexibility）之间的关系。 (Analyze the relationship between 'holding fast' and 'flexibility'.)

记录一次你因为坚守原则而面临的挑战。 (Record a time you faced a challenge because you stuck to your principles.)

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