扎实

• Pinyin: zhā shi
• Hanzi breakdown: 扎 = 扌 (hand) + 乙 (component); 实 = 宀 (roof) + 贯 simplified (string of coins)

Meaning

Solid, sturdy, and well-grounded; describes skills, knowledge, or work that is thorough and reliable.

Used to praise someone's foundational skills, academic knowledge, or work quality as being thorough and dependable. Can also describe physical things as being sturdily built. Implies diligence and attention to detail, not just surface-level competence.

Examples

1. 她的英语功底非常扎实，口语和写作都很出色。 Her English foundation is very solid — both her speaking and writing are excellent.
2. 这栋老房子的地基打得很扎实，经历了好几次地震都没事。 The foundation of this old house was built very solidly; it survived several earthquakes unscathed.
3. 做学问要脚踏实地，基础一定要扎实。 When pursuing scholarship, you must be down-to-earth, and your foundation must be solid.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, evaluation

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他专业知识扎实，是团队的技术骨干。(His professional knowledge is solid, and he's the technical backbone of the team.)
• 基本功要练扎实才能进步。(You need to practice the basics solidly before you can improve.)

Don't Say

• 这顿饭很扎实。(Awkward — for food, use 丰盛 for abundant or 实在 for filling)

Origin & History

Compound of 扎 (to pierce, plant firmly) and 实 (solid, real). Together they convey the sense of being firmly grounded or solidly established.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal