坚固

• Pinyin: jiān gù
• Hanzi breakdown: 坚 = 臤 (hard) + 土 (earth) — solid as the earth; 固 = 囗 (enclosure) + 古 (old) — firmly enclosed, stable

Meaning

Solid; sturdy; firm. Describes something physically strong and resistant to damage or pressure.

Used to describe physical structures, materials, and objects that are strong and durable — buildings, walls, foundations, etc. Can also be used figuratively for relationships or bonds that are strong and unbreakable (坚固的友谊). Similar to 结实 (sturdy) but 坚固 is more formal and often used for larger structures.

Examples

1. 这座桥修得非常坚固，用了五十年还很好。 This bridge was built very solidly and is still in good condition after fifty years.
2. 古代的城墙建造得十分坚固。 Ancient city walls were constructed extremely sturdily.
3. 我们需要选择更坚固的材料来建房子。 We need to choose sturdier materials for building the house.

Usage Guide

Context: construction, description, material

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这个箱子很坚固，不容易坏。(This box is very sturdy and won't break easily.)
• 地基必须打得坚固。(The foundation must be built solidly.)

Don't Say

• 他的身体很坚固 (Don't use 坚固 for a person's body — use 结实 or 强壮 for describing a strong physique)

Origin & History

A compound of 坚 (hard/solid) and 固 (firm/solid), both characters reinforcing the meaning of sturdiness and solidity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal