巩固

• Pinyin: gǒng gù
• Hanzi breakdown: 巩 = 工 + 凡, meaning to bind firmly; 固 = 囗 (enclosure) + 古 (old), meaning solid/firm

Meaning

To consolidate; to strengthen; solid; firm. Making something more stable or secure.

Used for strengthening positions or knowledge: 巩固基础 (consolidate foundations), 巩固地位 (strengthen one's position), 巩固成果 (consolidate achievements), 巩固政权 (consolidate power). Common in political, military, and educational contexts. Can be both verb and adjective.

Examples

1. 学完新课要及时复习，才能巩固所学的知识。 After learning new lessons, you need to review promptly to consolidate what you've learned.
2. 两国领导人的会晤进一步巩固了双边关系。 The meeting between the two countries' leaders further consolidated bilateral relations.
3. 这次改革措施有效巩固了公司的市场地位。 These reform measures effectively strengthened the company's market position.

Usage Guide

Context: education, politics, business

Tone: constructive

Do Say

• 我们需要巩固目前的成果。(We need to consolidate our current achievements.)
• 多做练习可以巩固记忆。(More practice can strengthen memory.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语用巩固 (In casual conversation, 加强 or 稳固 may sound more natural for 'strengthen')

Origin & History

Compound of 巩 (to bind firmly) + 固 (solid, firm). 巩 shows hands binding (工 + 凡), while 固 depicts an enclosure (囗) with something old/solid (古) inside.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal