毅 (yì) - resolute & determined

毅Tone 4

yì ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

一懿

毅 · yì

resolute;

determined;

firm;

steadfast;

unyielding

resolutedeterminedfirm

Usage highlights

resolute and firmperseverance and determinationfirm and resoluteresolute characterdetermined lookresolute decision

Synonyms

  • 刚— firm; strong
  • 坚— firm; hard
  • 果— resolute; decisive

Antonyms

  • 柔— soft; gentle
  • 弱— weak; feeble
  • 怯— timid; cowardly

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a man of resolute character (性格刚毅).
  • She showed great determination in her studies (学习毅力).
  • The soldiers fought with unwavering courage (坚毅的战士).
  • We need to be firm in our decisions (果断坚决).

Collocations

  • resolute and firm(刚毅)
  • perseverance and determination(毅力)
  • firm and resolute(坚毅)
  • resolute character(毅勇)
  • determined look(毅然)
  • resolute decision(毅断)

Idioms

  • Resolute and firm in character(刚毅木讷)
  • With resolute determination(毅然决然)
  • Strong and unyielding(弘毅宽厚)
  • Firm and steadfast(沉毅果敢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Highly valued in Confucian ethics as a virtue of moral character and strength of will.
  • Often used in names to express parents' hope for their child to develop strong character and perseverance.
  • Considered a masculine virtue in traditional Chinese culture, though modern usage is more gender-neutral.

FAQ