壮

• Pinyin: zhuàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 壮 = 丬 + 士 (strong warrior)

Meaning

Strong; robust; magnificent. Describes physical strength, prime of life, or impressive grandeur.

Versatile character appearing in many compounds. Can describe physical build, age (prime years), courage, or scenic grandeur. Common in set phrases like 年轻力壮, 壮志凌云, and 雄壮.

Examples

1. 他年轻力壮，干活特别有劲。 He's young and strong, and he really has energy for hard work.
2. 面对困难，我们要壮起胆子。 When facing difficulties, we need to steel ourselves.
3. 黄河的景象十分雄壮。 The Yellow River is an awe-inspiring sight.

Usage Guide

Context: description, encouragement, literature

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 趁年轻力壮多闯一闯。(While you are young and strong, venture out more.)
• 他们唱起了壮行的歌曲。(They sang songs of farewell and encouragement.)

Don't Say

• 这棵花很壮 — use 茂盛 for flourishing plants; 壮 typically describes humans or animals

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 丬 (ice radical variant) + 士 (scholar, warrior)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal