固

Physical and structural solidity: firm, stable, or impregnable (fortified). In behavioral contexts, it denotes unyieldingness, ranging from resolute and steadfast to stubborn and obstinate.

As a verb, it means to consolidate, reinforce, or make secure. As an adverb, it indicates either an inherent quality ("originally," "by nature") or logical emphasis ("certainly," "indeed," "of course").

Compared to 硬 (material hardness), 固 emphasizes resistance to change or collapse. Compared to 堅 (strategic tenacity or material hardness), 固 leans toward stability and the resistance to being moved or altered.

Fanqie reading: 古暮; Tang-period reading: *gò.

When applying the glyph to temperament or will, the translator must determine the valence from context to decide whether the text praises reliability (steadfast) or criticizes a closed mind (obstinate).