毅き然ぜん

き

ぜ

ん

JLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle

Describes a firm, unwavering attitude or manner, often in the face of difficulty. Used as a taru-adjective (毅然とした/毅然たる) or adverbially with と (毅然と).

彼かれは困こん難なんに直ちょく面めんしても毅き然ぜんとした態たい度どを崩くずさなかった。
He maintained a resolute attitude even when faced with difficulties.
政せい府ふはテロに対たいして毅き然ぜんと立たち向むかうべきだ。
The government should stand firm against terrorism.

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Usage patterns

毅き然ぜんとした態たい度どa resolute/firm attitude
彼かれは批ひ判はんにも毅き然ぜんとした態たい度どで応おうじた。
He responded to the criticism with a resolute attitude.
毅き然ぜんと〈動どう詞し〉to do something in a firm, undaunted manner
彼かの女じょは困こん難なんに毅き然ぜんと立たち向むかった。
She faced the difficulty firmly and undaunted.

Expressions

毅き然ぜんとしてresolutely; with firm determination

Kanji

毅strong
然sort of thing, so, if so

Related words

断だん固こN1
断固 stresses firm determination or refusal, while 毅然 stresses a calm, dignified composure under pressure.
不ふ屈くつ
不屈 describes never giving up over a long struggle, while 毅然 describes a firm bearing in a specific moment.
凛りん然ぜん
凛然 emphasizes a cold, dignified sharpness in one's bearing, while 毅然 emphasizes unwavering resolve.
堂どう々どうN1
堂々 describes an imposing, self-assured presence, while 毅然 focuses specifically on firmness against difficulty.
平へい然ぜん
平然 describes staying calm and unbothered, while 毅然 adds a sense of active resolve, not just calmness.

Opposites

卑ひ屈くつ
卑屈 describes a servile, self-abasing attitude, the opposite of the dignified firmness of 毅然.

Written forms

毅き然ぜんUsage99%
Standard kanji spelling.
きぜんUsage1%

Etymology

The kanji 毅 means 'strong' or 'resolute', and 然 is a suffix forming adjectives/adverbs describing a state. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound is used to express a firm, unshaken manner.