硬
yìng
I s.v.
1) hard; stiff
2) firm; tough; obstinate
硬的不行，他们就来软的。 When tough tactics did not work, they tried kid gloves.
3) good (of quality); able (of persons)
牌子硬 a trademark of high standing; a prestigious trademark
II adv.
1) doggedly
2) manage to do sth. with difficulty