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March 24, 2026
坚持(堅持)jiānchí(jian1chi2)
坚持 (jiānchí) means to persevere, persist, or insist on something despite challenges. It is commonly used in contexts where determination and resilience are required, such as studying hard for exams or maintaining a commitment to a goal.
Strokes16Frequency#870DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, persistence is highly valued, often reflected in proverbs and teachings that emphasize hard work and steadfastness as keys to success.
Memory Tip
Think of 坚 (jiān) as a 'strong' mountain and 持 (chí) as 'holding' onto it. Imagine holding onto a mountain in a storm, representing your unwavering determination and persistence.
Meanings of 坚持
jiānchí(jian1chi2)
1to persevere with
2to persist in
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About 坚持
坚持Simplified
堅持Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#870Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 坚持
Podcast: 坚持
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AI Study Notes for 坚持
Quick Contrast
坚持 (jiānchí) vs 维持 (wéichí) — use 坚持 when emphasizing perseverance or determination, while 维持 focuses on maintaining a state or condition.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 坚持, as it may be perceived as either positive or stubborn depending on tone and context. Common collocations include 坚持学习 (persist in studying) and 坚持原则 (insist on principles).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 坚持 connects well with other verbs expressing action and determination at this level. Students should focus on using it in sentences to convey personal goals and commitments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 坚持 with other similar verbs like 继续 (jìxù), which means 'to continue.' For example, saying '我继续坚守' is incorrect; instead, use '我坚持我的信念' (I insist on my beliefs).
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Pronunciation of 坚持
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坚持 (jiānchí) means to persevere, persist, or insist on something despite challenges. It is commonly used in contexts where determination and resilience are required, such as studying hard for exams or maintaining a commitment to a goal.
When to use 坚持
Be mindful of the context when using 坚持, as it may be perceived as either positive or stubborn depending on tone and context. Common collocations include 坚持学习 (persist in studying) and 坚持原则 (insist on principles).
坚持 or something close to it
坚持 (jiānchí) vs 维持 (wéichí) — use 坚持 when emphasizing perseverance or determination, while 维持 focuses on maintaining a state or condition.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 坚持 with other similar verbs like 继续 (jìxù), which means 'to continue.' For example, saying '我继续坚守' is incorrect; instead, use '我坚持我的信念' (I insist on my beliefs).
Write 坚持
坚
持
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Grammar Patterns of 坚持
坚持 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
