硬 (yìng)

In Chinese, "硬" can function as an adjective or adverb, meaning "hard" or "firm" when used as an adjective, and "forcefully" or "stubbornly" when used as an adverb. Below are detailed usages of "硬".

1. As an Adjective: "Hard" or "Firm"

When used as an adjective, "硬" means "hard" or "firm". It describes the physical or metaphorical hardness of an object or surface. For example:

• 这个枕头太硬了，我睡不着。 (Zhège zhěntou tài yìng le, wǒ shuì bùzháo.) — This pillow is too hard, I can't sleep. (lit. This pillow is too hard, I can't sleep.)
• 他的态度很硬，不肯让步。 (Tā de tàidù hěn yìng, bù kěn ràngbù.) — His attitude is very firm, he refuses to compromise. (lit. His attitude is very firm, not willing to give in.)

2. As an Adverb: "Forcefully" or "Stubbornly"

When used as an adverb, "硬" means "forcefully" or "stubbornly". It describes the manner in which an action is performed with force or determination. For example:

• 他硬把门关上了。 (Tā yìng bǎ mén guān shàng le.) — He forcefully closed the door. (lit. He forcefully closed the door.)
• 她硬要坚持自己的观点。 (Tā yìng yào jiānchí zìjǐ de guāndiǎn.) — She stubbornly insists on her own point of view. (lit. She stubbornly insists on her own point of view.)