Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
建立jiànlì(jian4li4)
建立 (jiànlì) means 'to establish' or 'to set up' in various contexts such as organizations, relationships, or systems. It conveys the idea of creating something new and ensuring its foundation is solid. This verb is commonly used in formal contexts, such as business or academic discussions.
Frequency#1918DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of establishing relationships (建立关系) is crucial for both personal and business interactions, highlighting the importance of trust and long-term connections in society.
Memory Tip
Think of establishing a '建' (building) with a strong foundation '立' (standing). Imagine a tall building being constructed, symbolizing the act of building or establishing something significant. The sound 'jian' can be linked to 'build' in English, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 建立
jiànlì(jian4li4)
1to establish
2to set up
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 建立
建立Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1918Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 建立
Podcast: 建立
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 建立
Quick Contrast
建立 (jiànlì) vs 创建 (chuàngjiàn): 选择建立 (jiànlì) 强调建立坚实基础,而选择创建 (chuàngjiàn) 更侧重于创造或发明新事物。
Memory Mnemonic
Think of establishing a '建' (building) with a strong foundation '立' (standing). Imagine a tall building being constructed, symbolizing the act of building or establishing something significant. The sound 'jian' can be linked to 'build' in English, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing 建立 with similar verbs like 形成 (xíngchéng), which means 'to form.' 建立 is often used in formal situations, so it may not fit well in casual conversations. Pay attention to collocations such as 建立关系 (establish a relationship) or 建立制度 (establish a system).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 建立 connects well with other verbs about creation or formation, such as 创造 (chuàngzào - to create) and 发展 (fāzhǎn - to develop). Focus on using it in formal writing or discussions to enhance vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of establishing relationships (建立关系) is crucial for both personal and business interactions, highlighting the importance of trust and long-term connections in society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 建立 in informal contexts, such as saying '我建立了一个朋友' (I established a friend), which should be '我交了一个朋友' (I made a friend). Ensure you reserve 建立 for more formal usages.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 建立
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 建立 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 建立 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 建立
建立 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
chú zhēn xuǎn shì yí tóu zī de kē jì kāi fā xiàng mù wài, , chuàng yè zī jīn gōng sī bìng wéi huò dé tóu zī de gōng sī tí gōng guǎn、 lǐ 、 shì cháng tuī guǎng hé jiàn lì wǎng luò děng fāng miàn de.
Besides selecting technological ventures for investment, the firms provide management, marketing and networking advice to the investee companies.
Cultural Notes for 建立
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of establishing relationships (建立关系) is crucial for both personal and business interactions, highlighting the importance of trust and long-term connections in society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 建立
You can say '我们需要建立一个新的团队' (We need to establish a new team).
Yes, 建立 is typically used in formal settings, such as business or academic discussions.
Not exactly; 创建 (chuàngjiàn) means 'to create' and is more focused on the act of creation, while 建立 emphasizes establishing a lasting foundation.