毅

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

殳 (창 수) — semantic element, a weapon-hand radical indicating action or force.

豙 (성나 털일어날 의) — phonetic element, providing the sound yì and connoting aroused strength or anger.

Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「毅，強志也。从殳，豙聲。」

“毅 means strength of will; composed of 殳 (weapon-hand) and phonetic 豙.”

This etymology conveys the image of a person holding firm resolve as if wielding a spear — strong, disciplined, and unwavering.

Semantic development:

Literal: strong, firm in mind or will.

Extended: steadfast in virtue, courageous in hardship.

Figurative: resolute character — persistence, determination, moral fortitude.

In early texts, 毅 was used chiefly in moral and ethical contexts, contrasting 柔 (유, gentle) — together forming a complementary pair: firm yet not harsh, soft yet not weak.

剛毅 (강의) — firm and resolute

果毅 (과의) — decisive and courageous

堅毅 (견의) — steadfast, persistent

勇毅 (용의) — brave and resolute

剛健有毅 (강건유의) — strong and unyielding

In Confucian ethics, 毅 represents one of the inner virtues essential to the noble person (君子).

《論語·子罕》(Analects):

「剛、毅、木、訥近仁。」

“Firmness, determination, simplicity, and reticence approach benevolence.”

Here, 毅 stands for moral perseverance, the power to persist in righteousness even when others falter.

《後漢書·馬援傳》(Book of the Later Han):

「志操剛毅，臨難不懼。」

“His will was firm and resolute; he faced hardship without fear.”

Here, 剛毅 (강의) describes both physical bravery and moral steadfastness — courage guided by principle.

In Daoist thought, this strength is balanced by softness — the water that yields yet endures. Thus 毅 symbolizes the harmony of inner firmness with outward calm.

Symbolic interpretation:

毅 embodies the virtue of unyielding determination guided by righteousness — not brute obstinacy, but moral strength refined by self-discipline.

It signifies courage rooted in ethical conviction, the power to act decisively yet justly.

To possess 毅 is to act with conviction, endurance, and unwavering moral will — the essence of true fortitude.