剛 (gāng) - Firm, hard, strong, rigid, just, exactly, barely, only

剛Tone 1

gāng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

剛 · gāng

Firm, hard, strong, rigid, just, exactly, barely, only just now.

Firm, hard, strong, rigid, just, exactly, barely, only

Usage highlights

Strong and resoluteFirm and unyieldingStraightforward and uprightJust nowJust rightSteel

Synonyms

  • 强— strong, powerful
  • 硬— hard, rigid
  • 坚— firm, solid

Antonyms

  • 柔— soft, gentle
  • 弱— weak, feeble
  • 软— soft, flexible

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He has a strong will (意志刚强).
  • The metal is very hard (金属刚硬).
  • I just arrived (我刚到).
  • He is straightforward and resolute (他性格刚直).

Collocations

  • Strong and resolute(刚强)
  • Firm and unyielding(刚毅)
  • Straightforward and upright(刚直)
  • Just now(刚才)
  • Just right(刚好)
  • Steel(刚才)

Idioms

  • To break after being bent to the limit(刚则易折)
  • Firm and resolute, not yielding to power(刚正不阿)
  • Strength and gentleness complement each other(刚柔相济)
  • With the strength to pull a nine-ox plow(刚劲有力)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian philosophy, 刚 represents masculine principle and strength, complementing 柔 (softness)
  • Traditionally valued as an ideal masculine virtue in Chinese culture
  • Associated with righteousness, integrity, and moral fortitude

FAQ