强硬 (yìng qiáng) is an adjective meaning 'tough' or 'uncompromising', describing a firm, inflexible stance—especially in negotiations, politics, or personal relationships. Though the characters literally mean 'strong' (强) and 'hard' (硬), together they convey resoluteness rather than physical strength: it’s about refusing to yield, not about muscle or toughness of material.

This word often carries a slightly negative or cautionary connotation—it suggests rigidity that may hinder compromise. It commonly modifies nouns like 态度 (attitude), 立场 (position), or 政策 (policy), and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news reports, diplomatic statements, or workplace discussions. Unlike standalone adjectives like 坚强 (resilient) or 固执 (stubborn), 强硬 emphasizes active resistance to pressure or concession, making it especially useful when describing deliberate, strategic firmness.