刚劲 (gāng jìng) is an adjective describing something that is both vigorous and powerful, often with a sense of firmness, resilience, and dynamic energy. The first character 刚 (gāng) means 'sturdy', 'unyielding', or 'strong-willed', while 劲 (jìng) conveys 'strength', 'vitality', or 'forceful energy'. Together, they emphasize a robust, taut, yet controlled power—not brute force, but disciplined intensity.

This term is especially common in artistic and descriptive contexts: it frequently describes calligraphic strokes that are sharp, bold, and full of tension; it may also characterize the sturdy branches of pine trees, the sinewy limbs of martial artists, or the crisp, decisive tone of a speaker’s voice. Though occasionally used for people or actions, it most often modifies nouns related to form, line, structure, or expression—especially in literature, art criticism, and nature writing.