jiēshi: 结实 - Sturdy, Solid, Strong, Well-built

• Keywords: jieshi, 结实, sturdy in Chinese, strong in Chinese, well-built Chinese, durable Chinese, solid, robust, learn Chinese, what does jieshi mean, Chinese adjectives
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese adjective 结实 (jiēshi), a versatile word used to describe something as physically sturdy, solid, and durable, from a well-made table to a reliable pair of shoes. It's also commonly used as a compliment to describe a person as strong, well-built, and healthy. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural context, and practical use with many examples, helping you master how to describe physical robustness in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiēshi
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Describes an object as sturdy and solid, or a person as physically strong and healthy.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 结实 (jiēshi) as the go-to word for “solidly built.” Whether you're talking about a chair that won't wobble or a person who looks robust and healthy, `结实` conveys a sense of physical integrity and resilience. It’s a positive, everyday term that implies something or someone is dependable and won't easily fall apart or get sick.

• 结 (jiē): The primary meaning of this character is “to tie,” “to knot,” or “to bind together.” Imagine tying a secure knot in a rope.
• 实 (shí): This character means “solid,” “real,” or “substantial.” It can also refer to fruit or seeds, things that are dense and full.

When combined, 结实 (jiēshi) literally means “tied solidly” or “bound together in a substantial way.” This creates a powerful and intuitive image of something that is well-constructed, dense, and not easily broken, which applies perfectly to both durable objects and healthy, strong bodies.

While `结实` is a practical descriptive word, its use reflects certain cultural values. In Chinese culture, there's a high appreciation for things that are durable (耐用 - nàiyòng) and built to last. Praising an object as `结实` is not just a comment on its quality but an acknowledgement of its good craftsmanship and value. When used for people, `结实` is a common and sincere compliment, especially for children and men. It doesn't necessarily mean “muscular” like a bodybuilder (a more specific term would be `强壮 - qiángzhuàng`), but rather robust, healthy, and full of vitality. Calling a child `结实` is a way for elders to express that the child looks well-cared-for and has a strong constitution, which is a source of pride for parents. Comparison to Western Culture: In English, “strong” is a very broad term. We can have a “strong argument,” “strong coffee,” or a “strong will.” 结实 (jiēshi) is much more specific and is almost exclusively used for physical structure and solidity. A closer English equivalent for objects is “sturdy” or “solid.” For people, it's a mix between “well-built,” “robust,” and “sturdy.” Unlike the Western focus on sculpted muscles, `结实` often emphasizes a more natural, dense, and resilient kind of physical strength.

`结实` is an extremely common word in daily conversation. Its connotation is almost always positive.

• Describing Objects: You can use it to talk about furniture, clothing, buildings, bags, ropes, or any physical item. If you buy a new backpack and your friend asks about its quality, you can say “很结实 (hěn jiēshi)” to mean it's well-made and won't tear easily.
• Describing People: It's a great way to compliment someone's physical health. You might say it about a friend who works out, an uncle who does manual labor, or a child who is active and rarely gets sick. It implies they have a solid, healthy body. It's informal and friendly.

• Example 1:
  • 这张桌子是用实木做的，非常结实。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhāng zhuōzi shì yòng shímù zuò de, fēicháng jiēshi.
  • English: This table is made of solid wood; it's very sturdy.
  • Analysis: A classic example of `结实` used to describe furniture. It emphasizes the table's durability and solid construction.
• Example 2:
  • 你看那个小伙子，身体多结实啊！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn nàge xiǎohuǒzi, shēntǐ duō jiēshi a!
  • English: Look at that young man, he's so well-built!
  • Analysis: Here, `结实` is a compliment about a person's physique, suggesting he is strong and healthy. The particle `啊 (a)` adds a tone of admiration.
• Example 3:
  • 我需要一根结实的绳子来捆这些箱子。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yī gēn jiēshi de shéngzi lái kǔn zhèxiē xiāngzi.
  • English: I need a strong rope to tie these boxes.
  • Analysis: `结实` describes the necessary quality of the rope—it must be strong enough not to break under strain.
• Example 4:
  • 这双登山鞋看起来很结实，应该很耐穿。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shuāng dēngshānxié kànqǐlái hěn jiēshi, yīnggāi hěn nàichuān.
  • English: This pair of hiking boots looks very solid; they should be very durable.
  • Analysis: This sentence links `结实` (sturdy) with `耐穿` (durable to wear), showing how the concepts are related.
• Example 5:
  • 王爷爷虽然八十岁了，但身子骨还很结实。
  • Pinyin: Wáng yéye suīrán bāshí suì le, dàn shēnzǐgǔ hái hěn jiēshi.
  • English: Although Grandpa Wang is eighty, his body is still very robust.
  • Analysis: `身子骨 (shēnzǐgǔ)` means “frame” or “constitution.” `结实` is used here to describe an elderly person's surprising health and strength.
• Example 6:
  • 这个背包的带子够结实吗？我得装很多书。
  • Pinyin: Zhège bēibāo de dàizi gòu jiēshi ma? Wǒ děi zhuāng hěnduō shū.
  • English: Are the straps on this backpack strong enough? I have to pack a lot of books.
  • Analysis: A practical question where `结实` is used to inquire about an object's structural integrity.
• Example 7:
  • 他从小就爱运动，所以长得很结实。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóngxiǎo jiù ài yùndòng, suǒyǐ zhǎng de hěn jiēshi.
  • English: He has loved sports since he was a child, so he grew up to be very sturdy/strong.
  • Analysis: This example connects a cause (sports) with an effect (a `结实` body), reinforcing the meaning of physical health.
• Example 8:
  • 这座桥是石头砌的，特别结实。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zuò qiáo shì shítou qì de, tèbié jiēshi.
  • English: This bridge is built of stone; it's especially solid.
  • Analysis: `结实` is used to describe a large structure, highlighting its safety and solid construction.
• Example 9:
  • 你把这个结打得结实一点，别让它松了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bǎ zhège jié dǎ de jiēshi yīdiǎn, bié ràng tā sōng le.
  • English: Tie this knot a bit tighter (more solidly); don't let it come loose.
  • Analysis: This is a more literal usage that plays on the character `结` (knot). It means to make the knot “solid” or “secure.”
• Example 10:
  • 一场大病之后，他看起来没以前那么结实了。
  • Pinyin: Yī chǎng dàbìng zhīhòu, tā kànqǐlái méi yǐqián nàme jiēshi le.
  • English: After a serious illness, he doesn't look as robust as he used to.
  • Analysis: This shows the opposite situation, where a lack of `结实` implies a decline in health or strength.

• Mistake 1: Using `结实` for Abstract Concepts.
  • English speakers might be tempted to use `结实` for things like a “strong argument” or “strong evidence.” This is incorrect. `结实` is strictly for physical objects and bodies.
  • Incorrect: ~~这个论点很结实。~~ (Zhège lùndiǎn hěn jiēshi.)
  • Correct: 这个论点很有力。(Zhège lùndiǎn hěn yǒulì.) - This argument is very powerful.
• `结实 (jiēshi)` vs. `强壮 (qiángzhuàng)`
  • These two words can both mean “strong” for a person, but there's a key difference.
  • `强壮 (qiángzhuàng)` specifically implies muscular strength and power, like a weightlifter or athlete. It's about being “strong and brawny.”
  • `结实 (jiēshi)` is about being solid, dense, and healthy. A person can be lean and not very muscular but still be `结实` if they are fit and have a sturdy build. `结实` is more about resilience, while `强壮` is more about raw power.
• Important Pronunciation Note: `jiēshi` vs. `jiēshí`
  • The same characters 结实 can be pronounced differently to mean different things.
  • `jiēshi` (adjective): Sturdy, strong. (The topic of this page).
  • `jiēshí` (verb): To bear fruit. (e.g., 这棵树结果实了 - Zhè kē shù jiēshí le - This tree bore fruit.)
  • Pay close attention to the tone on the second character to avoid confusion. In spoken language, the context almost always makes the meaning clear.

• 强壮 (qiángzhuàng) - A related term for people meaning “strong and muscular.” More focused on brawn and power than `结实`.
• 健康 (jiànkāng) - The general term for “health” or “healthy.” A person who is `结实` is almost certainly also `健康`.
• 牢固 (láogù) - A close synonym for objects meaning “firm, secure, solid.” Often used for things that are fixed in place, like foundations or installed equipment.
• 耐用 (nàiyòng) - Means “durable” or “long-lasting.” An object that is `结实` is usually also `耐用`, but `耐用` focuses more on lifespan over time.
• 坚固 (jiāngù) - A more formal word for “sturdy, solid,” often used in writing to describe buildings, fortifications, or structures.
• 瘦弱 (shòuruò) - An antonym for people, meaning “thin and weak” or “frail.”
• 单薄 (dānbó) - An antonym that can mean “thin” (for clothing) or “frail/thin” (for a person's body). It's the opposite of a `结实` physique.