Meaning
坚硬 describes something that is physically hard and resistant to pressure or deformation. It combines 坚 (firm, strong) with 硬 (hard, stiff) to emphasize solidity and lack of softness. This word is commonly used for materials like rock, metal, wood, or any substance that doesn't easily bend or compress.
Usage
坚硬 is typically used to describe physical objects and materials rather than abstract concepts. It's a neutral, formal-sounding term suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Native speakers often use it when discussing material properties, geology, construction, or when contrasting with soft substances. It can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe someone's unyielding character or resolve.
Examples
- 01这块木头经过特殊处理，变得非常坚硬。, .This piece of wood has been specially treated and has become very hard.
- 02钻石是世界上最坚硬的天然物质。.Diamond is the hardest natural substance in the world.
Characters
Common collocations
- 坚硬的岩石hard rock
- 质地坚硬hard texture/material
- 变得坚硬to become hard
- 坚硬无比extremely hard
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to strength and resistance. 坚 contains the earth radical (土), suggesting something solid and stable like the ground. 硬 contains the stone radical (石), directly indicating hardness like rock.