Meaning
坚持 means to continue doing something despite difficulties, to maintain a position or belief firmly, or to insist on a certain course of action. It emphasizes determination and unwavering commitment over time.
Usage
坚持 is commonly used to express persistence in positive contexts like maintaining good habits, continuing efforts toward goals, or standing firm on principles. It can take a direct object (坚持学习 'persist in studying') or be followed by a clause. Native speakers use it frequently in motivational contexts and when describing someone's determination or stubbornness in maintaining a viewpoint.
Examples
- 01只要坚持练习，你的中文一定会进步。, .As long as you persist in practicing, your Chinese will definitely improve.
- 02他坚持认为自己的决定是正确的。.He insists that his decision is correct.
Characters
Common collocations
- 坚持不懈to persist unremittingly
- 坚持到底to persist to the end
- 坚持原则to stick to principles
- 坚持认为to insist that, to maintain that
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 坚 (firm/strong) with 持 (to hold), literally meaning 'to hold firmly' or 'to maintain with strength,' which naturally extends to the idea of persisting or persevering.