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March 24, 2026
坚强(堅強)jiānqiáng(jian1qiang2)
坚强 (jiānqiáng) means strong or staunch, often used to describe a person's character or willpower. It conveys resilience in the face of challenges and is commonly used in contexts involving emotional strength or perseverance.
Strokes19Frequency#2189DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 坚强 is often celebrated in literature and history, representing the strength of individuals or communities during difficult times, such as wars or social upheavals. It reflects the value placed on perseverance and resilience.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong tree (坚) standing firm against powerful winds (强). The tree symbolizes emotional strength and resilience, which helps you remember that 坚强 means strong. Picture the tree's roots digging deep, making it hard to uproot, just like a person who is坚强.
Meanings of 坚强
jiānqiáng(jian1qiang2)
1staunch
2strong
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 坚强
坚强Simplified
堅強Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2189Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 坚强
Podcast: 坚强
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AI Study Notes for 坚强
Quick Contrast
坚韧 (jiānrèn) vs 坚强 (jiānqiáng): use 坚韧 when emphasizing endurance or tenacity in difficult situations, while 坚强 focuses more on strength of character or willpower.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 坚强 with similar words like 强大 (qiángdà), which means powerful in a broader sense. 坚强 is more personal, relating to inner strength. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe individuals facing adversity.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 坚强 connects with other words describing characteristics and personal qualities, such as 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn - brave) and 坚定 (jiāndìng - determined). Focus on using it in sentences that express strength in various life situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 坚强 in contexts where they mean simply 'strong' in a physical sense, like '他很坚强' when referring to a strong athlete. Instead, specify the context by saying '他在比赛中表现得很强' (He performed very strongly in the competition).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坚强
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坚强 (jiānqiáng) means strong or staunch, often used to describe a person's character or willpower. It conveys resilience in the face of challenges and is commonly used in contexts involving emotional strength or perseverance.
When to use 坚强
Be careful not to confuse 坚强 with similar words like 强大 (qiángdà), which means powerful in a broader sense. 坚强 is more personal, relating to inner strength. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe individuals facing adversity.
坚强 or something close to it
坚韧 (jiānrèn) vs 坚强 (jiānqiáng): use 坚韧 when emphasizing endurance or tenacity in difficult situations, while 坚强 focuses more on strength of character or willpower.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use 坚强 in contexts where they mean simply 'strong' in a physical sense, like '他很坚强' when referring to a strong athlete. Instead, specify the context by saying '他在比赛中表现得很强' (He performed very strongly in the competition).
Write 坚强
坚
强
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Grammar Patterns of 坚强
坚强 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
当你从内心深处找到一种可以忍受一切痛苦的____力量时，你的成长历程就会出现飞跃。
The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.--Max Lerner
