坚强
jiānqiáng
The English phrase "stay strong" is translated into Chinese as 坚强 (jiānqiáng).
坚强 is an expression used to encourage someone to remain brave and resilient during a difficult time. It is used primarily to describe mental or emotional strength and resilience rather than physical muscular strength.
Which one should you use?
While 坚强 refers to emotional resilience, the word 强大 (qiángdà) is used to describe physical power, scale or the strength of a nation or organization.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, adding the verb 要 (yào) before 坚强 makes the phrase a more natural imperative or piece of advice, meaning "you must stay strong" or "need to be strong". The phrase 坚持下去 can also be used to mean "persevere" or "keep going".
How do you pronounce it?
jiānqiáng
Did you know?
- Using 坚强 to describe a child is often seen as a bittersweet compliment, as it implies the child has had to endure hardships beyond their years.
- In Chinese literature, 坚强 is often paired with images of bamboo, which bends in the wind without breaking to symbolize resilience.
- When someone is grieving, saying 要坚强 can be perceived as a social pressure to maintain 'face' by not showing excessive emotion in public.
Examples in context
- 别担心，保持坚强，你能做到的Don't worry, stay strong, you can do it.
- 请坚持下去，明天会更好的Please keep going, tomorrow will be better.
- 加油！你一定行的Stay strong! You can do it!
- 别灰心，坚持住，我会一直陪在你身边的Don't lose heart, stay strong, I'll be by your side all the time.
- 你要坚强一点。You need to be a bit stronger.
- 面对困难，一定要坚强。Miànduì kùnnán, yīdìng yào jiānqiáng.You must stay strong when facing difficulties.
Example conversation
Jiayi is comforting Zhiqiang after he lost his job.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，你要坚强。Zhìqiáng, nǐ yào jiānqiáng.Zhiqiang, you must stay strong.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我知道，但我很难过。Wǒ zhīdào, dàn wǒ hěn nánguò.I know, but I am very sad.
- 佳怡 Jiayi别担心，一切都会好起来的。Bié dānxīn, yīqiè dūhuì hǎo qǐlái de.Don't worry, everything will be fine.
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢你的鼓励。Xièxiè nǐ de gǔlì.Thank you for your encouragement.
