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March 24, 2026
坚固(堅固)jiāngù(jian1gu4)
坚固 (jiān gù) means firm, stable, or solid. It is commonly used to describe objects or structures that are strong and well-built, as well as abstract concepts like resolve or determination. This term conveys a sense of reliability and durability.
Frequency#10326DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture, the concept of 坚固 is paramount, as traditional buildings are designed to withstand natural disasters, reflecting the cultural value placed on stability and resilience. This is evident in historical structures like the Great Wall.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy fortress (坚) built on solid ground (固). The character 坚 looks like a strong wall, and the character 固 represents stability. Together, they symbolize something that stands strong and unwavering, just like the sound 'jian' in 'fortress'.
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AI Study Notes for 坚固
Quick Contrast
坚实 (jiān shí) vs 牢固 (láo gù) — use 坚固 for a focus on stability and strength, while 坚实 emphasizes solidity and density, and 牢固 highlights security and tightness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy fortress (坚) built on solid ground (固). The character 坚 looks like a strong wall, and the character 固 represents stability. Together, they symbolize something that stands strong and unwavering, just like the sound 'jian' in 'fortress'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 坚固 with similar terms like 牢固 (láo gù), which also means secure but is often used in different contexts. This word is more formal and can be used in both written and spoken contexts. Common collocations include 坚固的信念 (firm belief) and 坚固的基础 (solid foundation).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 坚固 connects with other advanced vocabulary describing characteristics and qualities, such as 稳定 (wěndìng, stable) and 强大 (qiángdà, powerful). Focus on using 坚固 in nuanced contexts to enhance your descriptive language skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture, the concept of 坚固 is paramount, as traditional buildings are designed to withstand natural disasters, reflecting the cultural value placed on stability and resilience. This is evident in historical structures like the Great Wall.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 坚固 with 软弱 (ruǎn ruò, weak), using it incorrectly to describe something that is not firm. For example, saying '这张椅子很坚固' (This chair is very firm) is correct, while saying '这张椅子很坚固' to describe a soft pillow would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坚固
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Grammar Patterns of 坚固
坚固 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这辆汽车的外壳给人的感觉异常____。
The solid feel of the car's shell is impressive.
Example Sentences for 坚固 (10)
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1
这辆汽车的外壳给人的感觉异常坚固。
zhè liàng qì chē de wài ké gěi rén de gǎn jué yì cháng jiān gù。
The camera combines rugged reliability with unequalled optical performance and speed.
5
我们买下这栋房子的时候，它的结构还非常坚固。
wǒ mén mǎi xià zhè dòng fáng zǐ de shí hòu， ， tā de jié gòu huán fēi cháng jiān。
When we bought the house, it was structurally sound.
6
他坐在一张坚固的扶手椅的椅边上，手里端着一杯茶。
tā zuò zài yī zhāng jiān gù de fú shǒu yǐ de yǐ biān shàng， ， shǒu lǐ duān zháo yī bēi。
He sat on the edge of an unyielding armchair, a cup of tea in his hand.
7
近几年那些工人建造了许多坚固的建筑.
jìn jī nián nà xiē gōng rén jiàn zào le xǔ duō jiān gù de jiàn zhù.
Those workers have built many substantial buildings in the recent years.
8
飞船的框架是用轻而坚固的金属制成的.
fēi chuán de kuàng jià shì yòng qīng ér jiān gù de jīn shǔ zhì chéng de.
The frame of an airship is made of light but strong metal.
9
在工业上，金刚石可以用作工具表面坚固、耐腐蚀的覆盖层。
zài gōng yè shàng， ， jīn gāng shí kě yǐ yòng zuò gōng jù biǎo miàn jiān、 gù 、 nài fǔ shí de fù。
In industry, diamond can form a tough, non-corrosive coating for tools.
10
这座桥造得很坚固.
zhè zuò qiáo zào dé hěn jiān gù.
This bridge is very solidly built.
Cultural Notes for 坚固
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese architecture, the concept of 坚固 is paramount, as traditional buildings are designed to withstand natural disasters, reflecting the cultural value placed on stability and resilience. This is evident in historical structures like the Great Wall.
Frequently Asked Questions about 坚固
It is pronounced as 'jiān gù', where 坚 (jiān) is pronounced with a high level tone, and 固 (gù) has a falling tone.
Yes, you can use 坚固 to describe strong emotions or beliefs, such as 坚固的信念 (firm belief).
It is more common in formal contexts, but can be used in daily conversation when discussing reliability or strength.
