心坚石穿 — “To demonstrate unwavering determination and perseverance”

心坚石穿 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to demonstrate unwavering determination and perseverance”. To illustrate that with strong will and persistent effort, one can overcome great difficulties and achieve seemingly impossible tasks. It conveys the idea that where there's a will, there's a way. Literally, “A resolute mind can pierce stone”.

Frequency

心坚石穿 Pronunciation and Pinyin

心坚石穿 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
心	xīn	4	heart, mind, core
坚	jiān	7	firm and steadfast
石	shí	5	Rock, stone
穿	chuān	9	wear, pierce, pass through

Example Sentence with 心坚石穿

只要我们有心坚石穿的毅力，就没有克服不了的困难。

As long as we possess the perseverance described by 'a resolute mind can pierce stone,' there will be no difficulty we cannot overcome.

Origin and Story of 心坚石穿

Legend has it that there was once a Mr. Fu, who had loved Taoist arts since childhood. In his seventh year residing in a stone chamber on Jiao Mountain, Taishang Laojun (Grand Supreme Elder Lord) visited him.

Taishang Laojun presented him with a wooden drill and instructed him that if he could drill through a stone slab five chi thick, he would achieve enlightenment. Mr. Fu diligently drilled day and night.

Finally, after 47 years of continuous effort, he succeeded in piercing the stone slab. He then obtained a divine elixir, achieved immortality, ascended to heaven, and was conferred the title of 'Nanyue Zhenren' (True Immortal of the Southern Peak) by the Jade Emperor.