忍耐

rěn nài

to endure

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Understanding 忍耐

The word 忍耐 (rěnnài) means 'to endure' or 'to bear' and is often used to describe the ability to withstand hardship, pain, or difficult situations without giving up. It combines , which implies tolerating or suffering, and , which means to resist or bear.

Usage in Conversation

忍耐 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing perseverance or patience. It often appears when talking about enduring challenges, whether physical, emotional, or situational.

Common Collocations

  • 忍耐 (rěnnàilì): endurance or stamina, referring to one's capacity to endure.
  • 忍耐 (rěnnài bù zhù): unable to endure, often used to express impatience or frustration.
  • 需要忍耐 (xūyào rěnnài): need to endure, emphasizing the necessity of patience.

Nuances and Tips

Using 忍耐 implies a conscious effort to bear something difficult, often with a sense of self-control and resilience. It is stronger and more formal than just being patient (耐心). Avoid confusing 忍耐 with 忍受, which also means to endure but can carry a more negative or forced connotation.

Summary

When you use 忍耐, you highlight the strength and persistence required to face adversity. It is a valuable word for expressing mental toughness and the virtue of patience in challenging situations.

Example Sentences

他在困难面前表现出极大的忍耐。

Tā zài kùnnán miànqián biǎoxiàn chū jí dà de rěnnài.

He showed great endurance in the face of difficulties.

忍耐是成功的重要品质。

Rěnnài shì chénggōng de zhòngyào pǐnzhì.

Endurance is an important quality for success.

孩子们需要学会忍耐,等待轮到自己玩游戏。

Háizimen xūyào xuéhuì rěnnài, děngdài lún dào zìjǐ wán yóuxì.

Children need to learn to be patient and wait for their turn to play the