建树

• Pinyin: jiàn shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 建 = to establish, build; 树 = 木 (tree) + 寸 (inch) + 豆 — tree, to set up

Meaning

Achievement; accomplishment; to achieve something significant. Notable contributions or accomplishments in one's field.

A relatively formal term for significant achievements, especially in academic, artistic, or professional fields. Often used with 有 (to have achievements) or 做出 (to make contributions). Implies lasting, substantive accomplishments rather than temporary success.

Examples

1. 她在量子物理领域颇有建树，发表了多篇重要论文。 She has notable achievements in the field of quantum physics, having published several important papers.
2. 他一辈子专注于教育事业，建树颇丰。 He devoted his whole life to education and achieved considerable accomplishments.
3. 这位艺术家在传统与现代结合方面做出了独特的建树。 This artist has made unique contributions in combining tradition with modernity.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, praise

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他在这个领域很有建树。(He has notable achievements in this field.)
• 希望你能在事业上有所建树。(I hope you can achieve something in your career.)

Don't Say

• 用'建树'来描述日常小成就 (Don't use 建树 for everyday small accomplishments — it implies significant, lasting contributions; use 成绩 or 成就 for general achievements)

Origin & History

Composed of 建 (to build; establish) + 树 (tree; to set up). Originally meant planting trees, metaphorically extended to establishing achievements.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers