gin1 ngan6堅韌坚韧

Jyutpinggin1 ngan6

Yalegīn nganh

Definition

Tough, pliable, and resilient; difficult to tear or break.

neutraldescriptions

How it's used

Beyond describing physical materials like fabric or rope, this term is frequently used to praise someone's mental fortitude or character. It implies a quality of endurance and the ability to withstand pressure without breaking. When applied to people, it carries a sense of admiration for their persistence.

Examples

le1 zung3 sing4 hou2 gin1 jan6 dim2 laai1 dou1 m4 wui2 tyun5

呢種繩好堅韌，點拉都唔會斷。

This kind of rope is very tough, it won't snap no matter how hard you pull.

keoi5 sing3 gaak3 hou2 gin1 jan6 jyu6 dou3 gei2 do1 kwan3 naan4 dou1 m4 fong3 hei3

佢性格好堅韌，遇到幾多困難都唔放棄。

They have a very resilient personality and never give up no matter how many difficulties they face.

Common phrases

sing3 gaak3 gin1 jan6

性格堅韌

resilient personality

gin1 ngan6 bat1 bat6

堅韌不拔

unwavering and persistent

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe food that is difficult to chew, as that would be 韌. Using 堅韌 for food makes it sound like you are trying to eat something as indestructible as a piece of industrial rubber.