耐 (nài) — to endure, bear; able to withstand

entries → 耐

TSUMUGU · TOCFL 2 (est.) · 字

耐 character · TOCFL 2 (est.)

耐＝而＋寸

ㄋㄞˋ · nài

verb/adj — to endure, bear; able to withstand

字源 FORM — what the parts do

而聲ér — gives the sounda hanging beard, the strands drawn down

IFTér → nài — initial, final and tone all shift

寸義a hand, a measured grip — to hold steadythe modern right side (說文 had 彡)

A beard (而) holds its place, strand by strand, under a steady hand (寸) — it bears up, it lasts. 而 ér carries the sound. From holding up under strain: 忍耐、耐心、耐用.

故事 STORY — a scene to remember it by

鬍子（而）一綹綹垂著，手（寸）一握——任你拉，它就是不斷。

The beard (而) hangs strand by strand; the hand (寸) takes a grip — pull as you like, it holds.

字源記憶法

意 · Meanings

(本義)忍— to endure, bear

→忍耐、耐心— patience; to put up with常用

⇒耐用、耐寒— durable; cold-resistant常用

(本義) original meaning · → ⇒ each arrow = one more step of extension