过硬

• Pinyin: guò yìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = to surpass a standard; 硬 = 石 (stone) + 更 (more) — firm and solid like stone

Meaning

Rock-solid; thoroughly mastered; meeting the highest standard of competence or reliability.

Describes skills, techniques, qualifications, or character that are genuinely strong and reliable — not just superficially acceptable but truly robust under pressure. Common in professional, military, and evaluative contexts. Implies that something has been tested and proven.

Examples

1. 这支施工队技术过硬，工程质量从未出现过问题。 This construction crew’s skills are rock-solid, and their work quality has never had problems.
2. 要想在国际赛场上立足，运动员必须具备过硬的心理素质。 To hold their own on the international stage, athletes must have mental toughness.
3. 公司在招聘时明确要求应聘者须有过硬的专业技能和实战经验。 When hiring, the company clearly requires applicants to have strong professional skills and real-world experience.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, military, evaluation, recruitment

Tone: commendatory

Do Say

• 无论处于什么岗位，都需要有过硬的专业能力作为支撑。(Whatever position you hold, solid professional competence is needed as the foundation.)
• 他在业内以技术过硬著称，多次被客户点名指定合作。(He is renowned in the industry for his rock-solid technical skills and has been specifically requested by clients on multiple occasions.)

Don't Say

• 他的感情过硬 — 过硬 applies to measurable skills or character qualities; for emotional resilience use 感情稳定 or 内心坚强

Origin & History

过 (to pass, to surpass) + 硬 (hard, firm, unyielding)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal