How to Write 毅 (yì) — Meaning “Firm; resolute; persevering.”

Imagine a pig (豕) standing (立) firmly while someone hits it with a weapon (殳) — the pig doesn't move, showing 'firm resolve'. This stubborn image helps recall the character's meaning of perseverance.

The left side is written first: 立 (5 strokes) then 豕 (6 strokes), followed by the right side 殳 (4 strokes). A common mistake is making the 豕 too wide — keep it narrow so the whole character stays balanced. Pay attention to the final stroke of 殳, which curves slightly right.

毅 (yì) means resolute, while 殿 (diàn) means palace or temple, and 毁 (huǐ) means to destroy or ruin. Visually, 毅 has 立 on the left, 殿 has 尸 on top, and 毁 has 臼 on the left. Also, 毅 uses 殳 on the right, while 殿 uses 殳 but with different left sides, and 毁 uses 殳 with 臼.

毅 appears in words like 毅力 (willpower) and 坚毅 (fortitude), often describing character traits admired in education, military, and business contexts. Culturally, it reflects the Confucian value of perseverance (毅力) as essential for self-cultivation and success.

Common words containing 毅 include: 毅力 (yì lì) — Willpower; perseverance; stamina.; 坚毅 (jiān yì) — fortitude / resolute / persevering; 果毅 (guǒ yì) — resolute and courageous.