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Kotomora

毅

strong

JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes15

Readings

On'yomi

  • キ
  • ギ

Kun'yomi

  • つよ.い

Nanori

  • つよし
  • こわし
  • たけし
  • たけ

Meaning

毅 centers on inner strength and resolute determination: being strong-willed, firm, and unyielding in purpose.

Most common words using 毅

  • 毅然きぜん
    N1

    resolute; firm; dauntless; undaunted

  • 剛毅ごうき

    fortitude; firmness of character; sturdiness; inner strength; hardihood

  • 剛毅果断ごうきかだん

    dauntless and decisive; with fortitude and resolution

  • 毅然としてきぜんとして

    with resolution

  • 聡明剛毅そうめいごうき

    be reasonable, strong and do not give in

Explore all words using 毅 →

Study

Etymology

毅 combines 豙 (a boar or pig) with 殳 (a weapon or action), suggesting the fierce, unyielding strength of a wild boar. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the association with resolute strength is well established.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 豙 looks like a fierce boar standing its ground, and the right side 殳 is a weapon. Together they show a boar armed with determination—strong and unyielding.

Reading mnemonic

For キ, imagine a strong key that never bends: key -> キ, and the key's unbreakable strength matches 毅's resolute spirit.