固定

• Pinyin: gù dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 固 = 囗 (enclosure) + 古 (old) — solid, firm; 定 = 宀 (roof) + 正 (correct) — settled, fixed

Meaning

Fixed; regular; to fix in place; to secure. Describes something that is set, unchanging, or physically fastened.

As an adjective, describes something that doesn't change: 固定时间 (fixed time), 固定收入 (fixed income), 固定电话 (landline phone). As a verb, means to physically fasten or secure something in place. Opposite: 流动 (mobile) or 灵活 (flexible).

Examples

1. 他每天都在固定的时间跑步。 He runs at a fixed time every day.
2. 请用绳子把这个箱子固定好。 Please use a rope to secure this box.
3. 这个词没有固定的翻译方法。 This word has no fixed translation method.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 我们每周有固定的开会时间。(We have a fixed meeting time every week.)
• 把这个架子固定在墙上。(Fix this shelf onto the wall.)

Don't Say

• 他的性格很固定 (Awkward — for a person's set personality, use 固执 (stubborn) or 稳定 (stable); 固定 is for schedules, positions, and physical objects)

Origin & History

固 (solid/firm, from 囗 enclosure + 古 old — something enclosed and established) + 定 (settled/fixed, from 宀 roof + 正 correct — settled under a roof). Firmly established and unchanging.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal