坚实

• Pinyin: jiān shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 坚 = 土 + 又 (earth + hand — firm and solid); 实 = 宀 + 贯 (roof + string of coins — substance beneath the surface, full and real)

Meaning

Solid; firm; sturdy; substantial; well-grounded. Describes both physical solidity and figurative substantiveness — of foundations, knowledge, relationships, and achievements.

Widely used in academic, business, and general writing. Often collocates with 基础 (foundation) — 坚实的基础 (a solid foundation) is one of the most common collocations. Implies something built up through sustained effort, not just inherent hardness.

Examples

1. 这栋大楼建于百年前，至今仍然十分坚实，足见当年的建造工艺之精良。 This building was constructed a hundred years ago and is still very solid today, showing how superb the craftsmanship was back then.
2. 他在基础科学方面打下了极为坚实的功底，为后来的科研工作奠定了基础。 He built an extremely solid foundation in the basic sciences, laying the groundwork for his later research.
3. 两国之间的外交关系建立在相互尊重与务实合作的坚实基础之上。 The diplomatic relationship between the two countries rests on a solid foundation of mutual respect and pragmatic cooperation.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, business, construction, diplomacy, personal development

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 任何伟大学术成果都建立在坚实的理论基础和严谨的实证研究之上，否则终将被时间修正。(Any great academic achievement rests on a solid theoretical foundation and rigorous empirical research, otherwise it will eventually be corrected by time.)
• 多年培育后，这个区域品牌已积累坚实口碑和忠实顾客，为日后向全国和全球扩张打下基础。(After years of cultivation, this regional brand has built a solid reputation and a loyal customer base, laying the groundwork for future expansion nationwide and globally.)

Don't Say

• 坚实 describes substantive solidity, often built through effort. Do not confuse with 坚硬 (hard/rigid — purely physical property with no figurative range) or 稳固 (stable/secure — emphasises stability). 坚实 is frequently used for abstract foundations and is often complimentary, implying well-built substance.

Origin & History

坚 (firm; solid) + 实 (solid; substantial; actual; fruit — 宀 roof + 贯 strung coins, meaning substance and fullness)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal