硬气 (yìng qì) is an adjective describing a person’s firm, principled, and unyielding character — especially in the face of pressure, injustice, or temptation. Literally, 硬 means 'hard' or 'firm', and 气 means 'spirit' or 'moral energy'; together, they evoke the image of an unshakable inner spirit. It conveys moral courage, self-respect, and steadfastness, not mere stubbornness — the nuance lies in righteousness and dignity.

This term is often used to praise someone who refuses to compromise their values, bow to authority unjustly, or back down from a just cause. It carries positive connotations and appears frequently in spoken Chinese, literature, and moral discourse — especially when describing integrity under adversity. While it can describe behavior in daily life (e.g., refusing a bribe), it’s most powerful when signaling deep-rooted conviction rather than temporary defiance.