dǐkàng: 抵抗 - To Resist, Oppose, Withstand

• Keywords: 抵抗, dǐkàng, resist in Chinese, oppose in Chinese, withstand in Chinese, Chinese word for resistance, dǐkàng meaning, how to use dǐkàng, Chinese immunity, Chinese history resistance, HSK 5
• Summary: Learn the powerful Chinese word 抵抗 (dǐkàng), which means “to resist,” “oppose,” or “withstand.” This guide breaks down its meaning, from historical significance in the “War of Resistance” (抗日战争) to modern usage for describing the body's immunity (抵抗力) or resisting temptation. Understand the difference between dǐkàng and 反对 (fǎnduì), and learn how to use this essential HSK 5 vocabulary word correctly in conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dǐ kàng
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To fight against or oppose a force, pressure, or attack.
• In a Nutshell: 抵抗 (dǐkàng) is a strong, active word that captures the feeling of pushing back against something powerful. Think of it as putting up a fight, whether it's a nation resisting an invasion, your body fighting off a virus, or your willpower resisting a strong temptation. It implies a struggle and a determined effort to not give in.

• 抵 (dǐ): This character means “to resist” or “to push against.” The radical on the left, 扌, is the “hand radical,” indicating an action performed with the hand. It suggests physically holding something back.
• 抗 (kàng): This character also means “to resist” or “to defy.” It too contains the 扌 “hand radical,” again emphasizing a physical action of opposition.
• The two characters combine to create a powerful, reinforced meaning. Both components suggest using one's hands (and by extension, one's strength) to push back against an opposing force. This makes 抵抗 (dǐkàng) a very vivid word for active resistance.

The word 抵抗 (dǐkàng) holds immense weight in modern Chinese culture, primarily due to its connection with the 抗日战争 (Kàng Rì Zhànzhēng) - The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945). This period is a cornerstone of China's national narrative, symbolizing a time of immense suffering but also of heroic national unity and defiance against a foreign invader. In this context, 抵抗 is not just a word; it's a concept imbued with patriotism, sacrifice, and national pride. This is different from the general use of “resistance” in English. While an American might say they “resisted the urge to eat a donut,” which is a lighthearted, personal struggle, using 抵抗 in Chinese often evokes a more serious, high-stakes confrontation. The closest Western cultural parallel might be the term “The Resistance” referring to movements against occupation in WWII Europe. However, in China, the association of 抵抗 with the specific struggle against Japan is deeply ingrained in education, media, and national consciousness, making it a word of profound historical and emotional significance.

While its historical meaning is powerful, 抵抗 is also a practical word in modern life. Its usage is generally more formal and reserved for significant opposition.

This is one of the most common modern uses. 抵抗力 (dǐkànglì) means “resistance ability,” or what we call the immune system or immunity.

• e.g., “我的抵抗力很差，总是感冒。” (Wǒ de dǐkànglì hěn chà, zǒngshì gǎnmào.) - “My immunity is poor, I'm always catching colds.”

In formal contexts like news or political statements, 抵抗 is used for opposing policies, sanctions, or aggression.

• e.g., “我们必须抵抗外国的干涉。” (Wǒmen bìxū dǐkàng wàiguó de gānshè.) - “We must resist foreign interference.”

It can be used for strong personal struggles, though it can sound a bit dramatic if the situation is trivial.

• e.g., “他努力抵抗着烟瘾。” (Tā nǔlì dǐkàng zhe yānyǐn.) - “He is trying hard to resist his addiction to smoking.”

• Example 1:
  • 军队英勇地抵抗了敌人的进攻。
  • Pinyin: Jūnduì yīngyǒng de dǐkàng le dírén de jìngōng.
  • English: The army bravely resisted the enemy's attack.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, almost textbook example of 抵抗 used in a military context. It highlights bravery and a direct physical confrontation.
• Example 2:
  • 多锻炼可以增强身体的抵抗力。
  • Pinyin: Duō duànliàn kěyǐ zēngqiáng shēntǐ de dǐkànglì.
  • English: Exercising more can strengthen the body's resistance (immunity).
  • Analysis: This shows the most common everyday usage related to health. Here, 抵抗 is part of the noun 抵抗力 (dǐkànglì), “resistance power” or “immunity”.
• Example 3:
  • 面对巨大的诱惑，他完全无法抵抗。
  • Pinyin: Miànduì jùdà de yòuhuò, tā wánquán wúfǎ dǐkàng.
  • English: Faced with a huge temptation, he was completely unable to resist.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 抵抗 in a metaphorical sense for an internal, psychological struggle. The use of “huge” (巨大) justifies the strong word 抵抗.
• Example 4:
  • 他们的抵抗是徒劳的。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen de dǐkàng shì túláo de.
  • English: Their resistance was futile.
  • Analysis: Here, 抵抗 is used as a noun. It refers to the “act of resistance” itself.
• Example 5:
  • 我们坚决抵抗一切不公正的待遇。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen jiānjué dǐkàng yīqiè bù gōngzhèng de dàiyù.
  • English: We resolutely resist all unfair treatment.
  • Analysis: This is a formal and strong statement, suitable for a protest or official complaint. The adverb 坚决 (jiānjué - resolutely) often pairs with 抵抗.
• Example 6:
  • 这种新材料可以抵抗高温。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng xīn cáiliào kěyǐ dǐkàng gāowēn.
  • English: This new material can withstand high temperatures.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates 抵抗 being used for inanimate objects, meaning “to withstand” or “be resistant to” a physical force or condition.
• Example 7:
  • 在父母的压力下，她最终放弃了抵抗。
  • Pinyin: Zài fùmǔ de yālì xià, tā zuìzhōng fàngqì le dǐkàng.
  • English: Under her parents' pressure, she finally gave up resisting.
  • Analysis: This sentence portrays a social or familial conflict. Using 抵抗 implies the pressure was significant and her opposition was a real struggle.
• Example 8:
  • 为什么你要抵抗我的帮助呢？
  • Pinyin: Wèishéme nǐ yào dǐkàng wǒ de bāngzhù ne?
  • English: Why are you resisting my help?
  • Analysis: This usage is more personal and conversational. It suggests the other person is actively pushing back against well-intentioned help, perhaps out of pride or fear.
• Example 9:
  • 这种细菌的抵抗力非常强。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng xìjūn de dǐkànglì fēicháng qiáng.
  • English: This bacteria's resistance (to antibiotics) is very strong.
  • Analysis: Similar to Example 2, this is a scientific/medical use. It refers to the ability of a pathogen to survive treatment.
• Example 10:
  • 他的一生都在与命运抵抗。
  • Pinyin: Tā de yīshēng dōu zài yǔ mìngyùn dǐkàng.
  • English: His whole life has been a struggle against fate.
  • Analysis: A very literary and philosophical use of the word. It portrays a life-long, epic struggle, perfectly capturing the powerful feeling of 抵抗.

• 抵抗 (dǐkàng) vs. 反对 (fǎnduì): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
  • 抵抗 (dǐkàng) implies resisting a force, pressure, or physical attack. It's about withstanding something. You 抵抗 an invasion, a disease, or a strong temptation.
  • 反对 (fǎnduì) means to oppose an idea, a plan, or a suggestion. It's about disagreement. You 反对 a proposal at a meeting or 反对 your friend's bad idea.
  • Incorrect: 我抵抗这个计划。(Wǒ dǐkàng zhège jìhuà.) → This sounds like the plan is physically attacking you.
  • Correct: 我反对这个计划。(Wǒ fǎnduì zhège jìhuà.) - I oppose this plan.
• Overusing it for Trivial Things: In English, you can say “I couldn't resist that piece of cake.” Directly translating this with 抵抗 (我无法抵抗那块蛋糕) sounds overly dramatic, as if the cake has a powerful, malevolent force.
  • More Natural: 我忍不住吃了那块蛋糕。(Wǒ rěn bu zhù chī le nà kuài dàngāo.) - “I couldn't hold back and ate that piece of cake.” 忍不住 (rěn bu zhù) is the perfect phrase for not being able to resist a minor urge.

• 反抗 (fǎnkàng) - To revolt, rebel against. It's similar to 抵抗 but often implies a more aggressive uprising against an established authority (like a government or parents).
• 反对 (fǎnduì) - To oppose (an opinion, plan). The key alternative for non-physical disagreement.
• 抗议 (kàngyì) - To protest. A specific, often public, act of opposition.
• 抵抗力 (dǐkànglì) - Immunity, resistance (biological). A key noun form.
• 斗争 (dòuzhēng) - To struggle, to fight for/against. A broader term for conflict or struggle, which can include 抵抗.
• 坚持 (jiānchí) - To persist, to insist on. This can be a form of passive resistance; you don't fight back, but you refuse to change.
• 不屈 (bùqū) - Unyielding, indomitable. A character trait describing someone who would 抵抗 to the end.
• 抗日战争 (Kàng Rì Zhànzhēng) - The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The most important historical context for the character 抗.