Radical 土

7 strokes

堅

firm (697b) + earth 土 (54a) = resolute 坚

坚持 (465) jiānchí uphold, persist in

[坚决 (404) jiānjué resolute, determined]

(Awards are being given for bravery after a landslide) “You both stood firm, holding back the earth and resolutely protecting the village.” / The two giants were proud that the general himself had come (to present them with medals for saving the village).

stick 丨 (19a) + stick 丨 (19a) = two sticks

Another fragment which hardly needs a story! / [No pronunciation needed]

two sticks (697a) + right hand 又 (52) = firm

This also means “firm” in the sense of “strict” (but not in the sense of a business corporation).

At the start of the hockey match the two center-forwards hold their two sticks and shake hands— the umpire will insist on a firm handshake. / [No pronunciation needed]