结实

• Pinyin: jiē shi
• Hanzi breakdown: 结 = 纟(silk) + 吉 (auspicious, phonetic), meaning to tie or produce; 实 = 宀 (roof) + 贯 (string of coins), meaning solid or fruit

Meaning

Sturdy; solid; strong. Describes something or someone that is physically robust and durable.

Can describe both objects (sturdy furniture, strong rope) and people (well-built, physically strong). When describing people, it implies a healthy, muscular build rather than just being large. Pronounced jiē shi (first tone + neutral) in this meaning, distinct from jié shí meaning 'to bear fruit.'

Examples

1. 这张桌子非常结实，用了很多年。 This table is very sturdy and has lasted many years.
2. 他经常锻炼，身体很结实。 He exercises often and has a strong build.
3. 这双鞋看起来很结实，应该能穿很久。 These shoes look sturdy and should last a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description, physical attributes

Tone: complimentary

Do Say

• 这个小伙子长得很结实。(This young man has a sturdy build.)
• 买家具要买结实的。(When buying furniture, get something sturdy.)

Don't Say

• 这道数学题很结实。(Don't use 结实 for abstract difficulty — it only describes physical sturdiness. For a difficult problem, say 这道题很难.)

Origin & History

Originally meaning 'to bear fruit' (结 = to tie/produce + 实 = fruit/solid), the meaning extended from 'bearing solid fruit' to 'physically sturdy' in general.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal