硬直

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 硬直 is read as こうちょく and can mean “stiffness” or “rigidity”, depending on context.
• Basic usage: The examples show fingers stiffening in cold and relations hardening after negotiations stalled.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing senses and uses
  • It describes physical stiffness or a relationship or way of thinking losing flexibility and becoming rigid.