Chinese Character: 堪
1. Character Basics
Radical: 土 (earth)
Stroke Count: 12
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: kān
3. Meaning
English meaning: bear, endure, can, may
4. Common Words
- 不堪 (bù kān) - unbearable
- 堪当 (kān dāng) - be competent for
- 堪用 (kān yòng) - usable
- 堪忍 (kān rěn) - can endure
- 堪称 (kān chēng) - can be called
5. Grammar & Usage
Usage notes:
- Most commonly used in compounds
- Often used to express capability or endurance
- Can be used as a verb or modal verb
6. Cultural Background
The character "堪" consists of "土" (earth) and "甚" (very). It originally meant to bear weight or endure pressure, like earth bearing weight. In Chinese culture, it's often used to describe resilience and capability.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 这种痛苦令人不堪忍受。
Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng tòng kǔ lìng rén bù kān rěn shòu.
English: This kind of pain is unbearable.
8. Memory Tips
Mnemonic: The character "堪" has "土" (earth) at the bottom and "甚" (very) on top. Imagine the earth bearing something very heavy, showing it can endure pressure.