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March 24, 2026
毅yì(yi4)
The character 毅 (yì) means firm, resolute, or staunch. It is often used to describe a person's determination or decisiveness in making choices and sticking to them, especially in challenging situations. This character conveys a sense of strength and unwavering commitment.
Strokes15Radical殳Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 毅 is highly valued, especially in the context of perseverance through adversity. This character is often associated with historical figures known for their steadfastness and commitment to their ideals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong tree (representing 'firmness') standing resolutely against a storm. The character 毅 resembles a tree with its roots deep in the ground, symbolizing strength and stability, while the sound 'yì' can remind you of a 'yes' vote, indicating a firm decision.
Meanings of 毅
yì(yi4)
1firm and resolute
2staunch
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 毅
毅Simplified
15Strokes
殳Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 毅
Podcast: 毅
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AI Study Notes for 毅
Quick Contrast
坚定 (jiān dìng) vs 决定 (jué dìng) — choose 毅 (yì) to emphasize a person's unwavering determination rather than just a firm decision.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong tree (representing 'firmness') standing resolutely against a storm. The character 毅 resembles a tree with its roots deep in the ground, symbolizing strength and stability, while the sound 'yì' can remind you of a 'yes' vote, indicating a firm decision.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 毅 with similar-sounding characters that have softer meanings. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often found in motivational phrases or literature. Be careful with the tone; the fourth tone (yì) should be pronounced firmly.
HSK Study Tips
Although 毅 is not listed in the HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners focusing on advanced vocabulary. Students should also connect it to other characters related to strength and determination, such as 力 (lì, strength) and 决 (jué, decide).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 毅 is highly valued, especially in the context of perseverance through adversity. This character is often associated with historical figures known for their steadfastness and commitment to their ideals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 毅 with characters like 易 (yì), which means easy. It's important to remember that 毅 conveys strength, while 易 is about simplicity. Ensure you practice the tones correctly to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 毅
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Grammar Patterns of 毅
毅 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The conductor brought home the full thrust of the work's emotional resolution.
2
我知道我有毅力做这事儿。
wǒ zhī dào wǒ yǒu yì lì zuò zhè shì ér。
I know I've got the willpower to do it.
3
强健的方下巴是刚毅性格的标志.
qiáng jiàn de fāng xià bā shì gāng yì xìng gé de biāo zhì.
A strong square jaw is a sign of firm character.
Cultural Notes for 毅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 毅 is highly valued, especially in the context of perseverance through adversity. This character is often associated with historical figures known for their steadfastness and commitment to their ideals.
Word Family of 毅
Compounds1
藙
Words Containing This Character14
毅力yìlìperseverance
毅然yìránfirmly
坚毅firm and persistent堅毅
毅yìstaunch
陈毅Chen Yi (1901-1972), communist general and politician, Marshal of PLA from 1955, Mayor of Shanghai in 1950s, PRC foreign minister 1958-1972陳毅
刚毅gāngyìresolute剛毅
范志毅Fan Zhiyi (1969-), soccer player
毅然决然without hesitation毅然決然
荣毅仁Rong Yiren (1916-2005), PRC Vice President from 1993-1998, played an important role in opening Chinese economy to Western investors榮毅仁
有毅力persevering
方毅Fang Yi (1916-1997), senior party apparatchik
刘毅Liu Yi (-412), general of Eastern Jin dynasty 東晉|东晋[DōngJìn] (317-420)劉毅
柳毅传story of Liu Yi, Tang fantasy fiction by Li Chaowei 李朝威, popular with dramatist of subsequent dynasties柳毅傳
刚毅木讷resolute and taciturn (idiom)剛毅木訥
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 毅力 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 毅
You can use it in phrases like '毅力' (yìlì), meaning perseverance, to describe someone who shows determination.
It’s more commonly used in writing or formal speech, particularly in motivational contexts.
Synonyms include 坚定 (jiāndìng) and 决心 (juéxīn), both conveying a sense of firmness and determination.
