zähes

Zähes is a term originating from German that describes something tough, chewy, or tenacious. It is often used to describe food that is difficult to bite or chew, such as undercooked meat or certain types of bread. The word can also be applied to non-food items, indicating a resistant or stubborn quality. For instance, a zähes material might be one that is difficult to break or deform.

In a figurative sense, zähes can refer to a person or situation that is persistent and difficult to overcome. A zähes opponent in a game, for example, is one who is difficult to defeat and keeps fighting despite challenges. Similarly, a zähes problem might be one that requires significant effort and time to resolve. The essence of zähes lies in its implication of resilience and a resistance to yielding easily. It conveys a sense of enduring strength, whether applied to the texture of food or the character of an individual or problem. The term carries a slightly negative connotation when referring to food, suggesting an unpleasant texture, but can be neutral or even positive when describing perseverance or tenacity.