How to Write 坚 (jiān) — Meaning “firm / solid / strong”

Imagine your hand (又) pressing a block of earth (土) into a hard, firm shape. This visual of molding soil into solid ground helps you remember that 坚 means "firm" or "solid".

Write the top part 土 first with strokes: horizontal, vertical, horizontal. Then write the bottom part 又 with a diagonal sweep (横撇) followed by a downward-right stroke (捺). A common mistake is making the 又 too wide, so keep it compact and centered under the 土.

坚 has 土 on top and 又 below, while 圣 (shèng, holy) has 又 on top and 土 below — they are inverted. 圤 is a very rare character; visually it differs by having a different radical or component, so 坚 is the only one meaning "firm" or "strong" in common usage.

坚 appears in common words like 坚持 (jiān chí, to persist) and 坚强 (jiān qiáng, resilient). It often conveys perseverance, as in the phrase "坚持到底" (persist to the end), which is widely used in both daily life and Chinese cultural slogans about determination.

Common words containing 坚 include: 坚持 (jiān chí) — persist / persevere / insist; 坚强 (jiān qiáng) — strong / staunch / resilient; 坚果 (jiān guǒ) — nut.