堡垒

• Pinyin: bǎo lěi
• Hanzi breakdown: 堡 = 保 (protect) + 土 (earth); 垒 = 畾 (stack) + 土 (earth)

Meaning

Fortress; stronghold; bastion.

A fortified military structure or defensive position. Figuratively used to describe any strong base, core institution, or position that is difficult to overcome or penetrate.

Examples

1. 这座古堡垒见证了无数次战争，至今仍屹立不倒。 This ancient fortress has witnessed countless wars and still stands to this day.
2. 家庭是抵御社会压力的最后堡垒。 Family is the last bastion against social pressures.
3. 敌人的堡垒从内部攻破往往更容易。 It's often easier to breach an enemy's fortress from within.

Usage Guide

Context: military, metaphor, society

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 攻克最后一座堡垒。(Conquer the last stronghold.)
• 民主是自由的堡垒。(Democracy is the bastion of freedom.)

Don't Say

• 对普通建筑说'堡垒' (Don't call an ordinary building 堡垒 — it implies defensive or strategic significance)

Origin & History

堡 (fort) + 垒 (rampart/fortification). A fortified defensive structure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal