剛

Originally ideographic compound, later reanalyzed as phono-semantic.

Early form:

网 (net) + 刀 (knife)

The original meaning likely referred to "cutting or shaping something tough."

Later, for clearer phonetic indication 网 transformed into 岡 (phonetic element).

Thus the modern structure became:

刀 (cutting / hardness) — semantic component;

岡 — phonetic element "gang."

Semantic development:

- physical hardness — strong, firm;

- moral firmness — resolute, upright;

- severity — rigid or strict;

- (Modern Chinese, simplified 刚) — just now; barely.

The temporal meaning (“just now”) developed in modern Mandarin and is written with the simplified form 刚.

강직 (剛直) — upright and firm

강건 (剛健) — strong and healthy

강철 (鋼鐵) — steel (related conceptually)

剛 emphasizes hardness and firmness in structure or character.

In classical philosophy (e.g., Daoism) 剛 (hardness) is balanced against 柔 (softness).

In Buddhist terminology, 金剛 represents indestructible spiritual power.

In modern Mandarin, the temporal meaning (“just now”) is extremely common but appears only in simplified usage (刚).

Classical texts use 剛 to describe firmness of will or moral strength.

Related characters:

鋼 — steel

岡 — ridge

柔 — soft

強 — strong