jiāngù: 坚固 - Firm, Solid, Sturdy

• Keywords: jiangu, 坚固, firm, solid, sturdy, strong, durable, stable, Chinese word for sturdy, how to say solid in Chinese, Chinese adjective for strong foundation.
• Summary: Discover the Chinese word 坚固 (jiāngù), a versatile adjective meaning “firm,” “solid,” or “sturdy.” This page explores how `坚固` is used not only to describe well-built physical structures like bridges and furniture but also abstract concepts like strong relationships, solid foundations, and unwavering beliefs. Learn the difference between `坚固` and similar words like `结实 (jiēshi)` and `坚强 (jiānqiáng)` to use it accurately and naturally.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiān gù
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: Firm, solid, sturdy, and not easily destroyed or damaged.
• In a Nutshell: `坚固` describes something that is both inherently strong and built to last. Think of a mighty oak tree, a well-constructed fortress, or a friendship that has endured for decades. It carries a strong sense of reliability, stability, and permanence, whether you're talking about a physical object or a metaphorical foundation.

• 坚 (jiān): This character means “firm,” “hard,” or “unyielding.” The top part (臣) originally depicted a downward-looking eye, and the bottom is 土 (tǔ), the radical for “earth.” Together, they evoke a sense of being as hard and solid as the ground itself.
• 固 (gù): This character means “solid,” “firm,” or “to secure.” It's a pictograph of an enclosure (囗) around the character 古 (gǔ), which means “ancient.” This paints a vivid picture of something that has been securely enclosed or established for a very long time, making it solid and unshakeable.
• Together: The combination of “firm/hard” (坚) and “solid/secure” (固) creates a powerful, layered adjective. `坚固` doesn't just mean strong; it means fundamentally solid and reliably durable.

`坚固` taps into a deep-seated Chinese cultural appreciation for durability, stability, and permanence. While a Western concept like “durable” focuses on an item's ability to resist wear over time, `坚固` often implies that this durability comes from an initial, foundational strength. It’s not just that it *lasts*; it’s that it was *built* to be unshakeable from the very beginning. This value is reflected in everything from historical engineering marvels like the Great Wall (万里长城 Wànlǐ Chángchéng) to the modern emphasis on building robust infrastructure. Metaphorically, it extends to social structures. The ideal family unit is `坚固`, with strong, stable bonds. A nation's foundation (国基 guójī) should be `坚固`. This contrasts with a Western “disposable” or “move-fast-and-break-things” culture, highlighting a preference for building things—and relationships—that are meant to endure the test of time.

`坚固` is a standard and slightly formal term used in both written and spoken Chinese. It's almost always a positive descriptor, implying quality and reliability.

• Describing Physical Objects: This is its most common use. It's perfect for describing things that need to be strong and stable.
  • Examples: Buildings (楼), bridges (桥), furniture (家具), foundations (地基), city walls (城墙).
• Describing Abstract Concepts: This is where learners can elevate their language. `坚固` is frequently used metaphorically for non-physical things.
  • Examples: Relationships (关系), friendships (友谊), faith/beliefs (信仰), a foundation of trust (信任的基础).
• Formality: While perfectly fine in conversation, it is slightly more formal than its near-synonym `结实 (jiēshi)`. You would see `坚固` in a product manual, an architectural report, or a serious discussion about relationships. For a quick comment like “This table is really solid!” a friend might be more likely to say `这张桌子很结实 (zhè zhāng zhuōzi hěn jiēshi)`.

• Example 1:
  • 这座桥是用石头建的，非常坚固。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zuò qiáo shì yòng shítou jiàn de, fēicháng jiāngù.
  • English: This bridge is built of stone; it's extremely solid.
  • Analysis: A classic, literal use of `坚固` to describe the sturdiness of a physical structure.
• Example 2:
  • 我们的友谊基础很坚固，不会因为小事而动摇。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de yǒuyì jīchǔ hěn jiāngù, bú huì yīnwèi xiǎoshì ér dòngyáo.
  • English: The foundation of our friendship is very solid; it won't be shaken by trivial matters.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of using `坚固` metaphorically to describe the strength and stability of a relationship.
• Example 3:
  • 购买家具时，我首先考虑的是它是否坚固耐用。
  • Pinyin: Gòumǎi jiājù shí, wǒ shǒuxiān kǎolǜ de shì tā shìfǒu jiāngù nàiyòng.
  • English: When buying furniture, the first thing I consider is whether it is sturdy and durable.
  • Analysis: Here, `坚固` is paired with `耐用 (nàiyòng - durable)` to emphasize both initial strength and long-term resilience. This is a common pairing.
• Example 4:
  • 这个城堡的城墙建得特别坚固，几百年来都屹立不倒。
  • Pinyin: Zhège chéngbǎo de chéngqiáng jiàn de tèbié jiāngù, jǐ bǎi nián lái dōu yìlì bù dǎo.
  • English: The walls of this castle were built to be especially sturdy; they have stood for hundreds of years.
  • Analysis: The phrase `建得特别坚固` uses a degree complement (`得`) to describe *how* it was built—“built to be sturdy.”
• Example 5:
  • 他的信念非常坚固，没有人能说服他改变主意。
  • Pinyin: Tā de xìnniàn fēicháng jiāngù, méiyǒu rén néng shuōfú tā gǎibiàn zhǔyi.
  • English: His conviction is very firm; no one can persuade him to change his mind.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the use of `坚固` for abstract beliefs, highlighting their unshakeable nature.
• Example 6:
  • 一个国家的坚固取决于其经济和政治的稳定。
  • Pinyin: Yí ge guójiā de jiāngù qǔjué yú qí jīngjì hé zhèngzhì de wěndìng.
  • English: The stability (solidity) of a country depends on its economic and political stability.
  • Analysis: A more formal, written-style sentence. Here `坚固` itself is used as a noun: “the solidity/sturdiness.”
• Example 7:
  • 这栋房子的地基不够坚固，存在安全隐患。
  • Pinyin: Zhè dòng fángzi de dìjī búgòu jiāngù, cúnzài ānquán yǐnhuàn.
  • English: The foundation of this house is not solid enough, posing a safety hazard.
  • Analysis: A negative example showing how to express a lack of sturdiness using `不够 (búgòu)`.
• Example 8:
  • 士兵们用沙袋筑起了坚固的防御工事。
  • Pinyin: Shìbīngmen yòng shādài zhù qǐle jiāngù de fángyù gōngshì.
  • English: The soldiers used sandbags to build solid defensive fortifications.
  • Analysis: This example relates to military or defensive contexts, where `坚固` is a critical quality.
• Example 9:
  • 他们之间坚固的爱情让所有人羡慕。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen zhījiān jiāngù de àiqíng ràng suǒyǒu rén xiànmù.
  • English: The solid love between them made everyone envious.
  • Analysis: Like friendship, `坚固` can describe a strong, stable romantic relationship that is built to last.
• Example 10:
  • 我们需要一个坚固的计划来应对未来的挑战。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yí ge jiāngù de jìhuà lái yìngduì wèilái de tiǎozhàn.
  • English: We need a solid plan to face future challenges.
  • Analysis: Shows the versatility of `坚固` to describe even a plan, implying it's well-thought-out, robust, and not easily derailed.

The most common mistakes with `坚固` involve confusing it with other “strong” words.

• `坚固 (jiāngù)` vs. `结实 (jiēshi)`:
  • `坚固` is slightly more formal and emphasizes stability and resistance to external force. It can be used for large structures and abstract concepts (beliefs, relationships).
  • `结实 (jiēshi)` is more colloquial and focuses on something being robust, well-built, or solid. It's often used for smaller objects (chairs, shoes) and even for a person's physique (he's well-built/stocky). You cannot use `坚固` to describe a person's body.
  • Example: `这把椅子很结实` (This chair is sturdy) is more common in daily speech than `这把椅子很坚固`.
• `坚固 (jiāngù)` vs. `坚强 (jiānqiáng)`: This is a critical distinction.
  • `坚固` is for physical or metaphorical structures.
  • `坚强 (jiānqiáng)` is for a person's will, character, or spirit. It means “strong-willed” or “mentally tough.”
  • Incorrect: ~~他的意志很坚固。~~ (Tā de yìzhì hěn jiāngù.)
  • Correct: 他的意志很坚强。(Tā de yìzhì hěn jiānqiáng.) - His will is very strong.
  • Incorrect: ~~她是一个很坚固的女人。~~ (Tā shì yí ge hěn jiāngù de nǚrén.)
  • Correct: 她是一个很坚强的女人。(Tā shì yí ge hěn jiānqiáng de nǚrén.) - She is a very strong-willed woman.

• 结实 (jiēshi) - A close synonym for “sturdy” or “solid,” but more colloquial and commonly used for physical objects and people's bodies.
• 牢固 (láogù) - A very close synonym, often interchangeable with `坚固`. It can carry a slight extra emphasis on being “firmly fixed” or “securely fastened.”
• 坚硬 (jiānyìng) - Means “hard” in terms of material property (like a diamond or rock). Something can be `坚硬` but not `坚固` (e.g., a hard but brittle piece of glass).
• 稳定 (wěndìng) - Means “stable.” A `坚固` structure is always `稳定`, but a `稳定` situation is not necessarily `坚固` (e.g., a stable peace agreement could still be fragile).
• 坚强 (jiānqiáng) - Describes strength of character, will, or spirit. Used for people, not objects.
• 脆弱 (cuìruò) - The direct antonym: “fragile,” “frail,” or “weak.” It can be used for both physical objects and abstract things like emotions or relationships.
• 巩固 (gǒnggù) - A verb meaning “to consolidate” or “to strengthen.” It's the action of making something become `坚固`. Example: `巩固我们的关系` (to strengthen our relationship).