健壮

• Pinyin: jiàn zhuàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 健 = 亻 (person) + 建 (build) — healthy, strong; 壮 = 士 (warrior) + 丬 — strong, robust

Meaning

Strong and robust; sturdy; well-built. Having a healthy and powerful physique.

Describes physical strength and robust health, often used for people's bodies or for plants and animals that are thriving. Implies not just strength but overall health and vigor. In computing, also used to describe robust software systems.

Examples

1. 经过两年的锻炼，他变得越来越健壮了。 After two years of exercise, he has become increasingly strong and robust.
2. 农村长大的孩子通常比较健壮，很少生病。 Children who grow up in the countryside are usually more robust and rarely get sick.
3. 这棵橡树长得非常健壮，树干粗得两个人都抱不过来。 This oak tree has grown very sturdy, with a trunk so thick that two people can't wrap their arms around it.

Usage Guide

Context: description, health, everyday

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他身体很健壮。(He has a strong, robust physique.)
• 多运动才能保持健壮。(Only by exercising more can you stay fit.)

Don't Say

• 用'健壮'来形容女性的体型 (Be careful using 健壮 to describe women's physiques — it can sound unfeminine; use 健康 or 身材好 instead unless the woman clearly embraces athletic strength)

Origin & History

Composed of 健 (healthy; strong) + 壮 (strong; robust). Both characters emphasize strength and health.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal