adjective / adverb HSK 5
solid · firm · hard · strong · secure · stubborn · originally · of course
Meaning
固 means solid, firm, or secure when describing physical objects or abstract concepts. It can also mean stubborn or obstinate when describing attitudes. As an adverb or particle, it means 'originally' or 'of course' in classical or formal contexts.
Usage
固 is more common in written or formal Chinese than everyday speech. It frequently appears in compound words and set expressions. When used alone as 'of course' or 'originally,' it has a literary or classical flavor. In modern spoken Chinese, people more often use 固定 (gùdìng) for 'fixed' or 当然 (dāngrán) for 'of course.'
Examples
- 01这座桥的结构非常坚固。.The structure of this bridge is very solid.
- 02他固然聪明，但还需要努力学习。, .He is certainly smart, but he still needs to study hard.
Common collocations
- 固然admittedly, no doubt
- 牢固firm, secure
- 坚固不摧indestructible
Antonyms
Origin
The character 固 originally depicted an enclosure (囗) with something inside (古), representing something enclosed and therefore secure or solid.