gùdìng: 固定 - Fixed, Stable, Regular

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• Summary: “固定” (gùdìng) is a fundamental Chinese word that means “fixed,” “stable,” or “regular.” It can be used as a verb (to fix or fasten something in place) or as an adjective (describing a fixed price, a stable job, or a regular meeting). This guide explores the core meaning of 固定, its cultural significance related to the value of stability, and provides over 10 practical example sentences to help you master its usage in both formal and everyday contexts.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): gù dìng
• Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To fix something in place; or describing something as fixed, regular, or stable.
• In a Nutshell: Think of “固定” as the concept of being “locked in” or “set.” This can be literal, like a shelf fixed to a wall, or figurative, like a fixed salary or a regular weekly meeting. It implies a lack of change, providing a sense of certainty, permanence, and stability.

• 固 (gù): This character means “solid,” “firm,” or “stable.” It's composed of the radical 囗 (wéi), an enclosure, surrounding the character 古 (gǔ), which means “ancient.” The image it evokes is of something ancient and well-enclosed, making it inherently solid and firm.
• 定 (dìng): This character means “to set,” “to decide,” or “stable.” It shows a roof (宀) over a character (正) that represents a person stopping. The idea is of settling down under a roof, establishing a fixed position.
• Together, 固定 (gùdìng) combines “solid” and “set” to create a strong meaning of something being firmly established, unmoving, and decided.

While “固定” is a practical word, it taps into a significant value in Chinese culture: stability (稳定, wěndìng). In many Western cultures, particularly American culture, there's a strong emphasis on dynamism, entrepreneurship, and “disruption.” Changing jobs, moving cities, or pursuing a high-risk, high-reward venture is often celebrated. In contrast, traditional Chinese culture often places a higher value on long-term stability and security. The concept of a 固定工作 (gùdìng gōngzuò), a stable and permanent job, is highly desirable for many people. It's closely related to the famous concept of the “iron rice bowl” (铁饭碗, tiě fànwǎn), which refers to a secure job for life, typically with the government or a state-owned enterprise. A 固定收入 (gùdìng shōurù), or stable income, is seen as the foundation for raising a family and planning for the future. Therefore, when you hear someone in China praise a job for being “固定,” they aren't just saying it's a 9-to-5; they're often expressing admiration for its security and reliability, a cornerstone of a well-planned life.

“固定” is used frequently in various contexts. Its meaning shifts slightly depending on whether it's used as a verb or an adjective.

In this sense, it's a physical action of making something secure and unmovable. It's often used with 把 (bǎ) to indicate the object being fixed.

• Connotation: Neutral, descriptive.
• Formality: Can be used in both everyday speech and formal instructions.

This is the most common usage. It describes something that is set and does not change.

• Connotation: Generally positive, implying reliability and predictability.
• Formality: Used across all levels of formality, from casual conversation to business contracts.

• Example 1: (Describing a stable job)
  • 他大学毕业后，很快就找到了一份固定的工作。
  • Pinyin: Tā dàxué bìyè hòu, hěn kuài jiù zhǎodào le yí fèn gùdìng de gōngzuò.
  • English: After graduating from university, he quickly found a stable job.
  • Analysis: Here, 固定 is an adjective describing the job as stable and long-term, which is culturally viewed as a very positive outcome.
• Example 2: (As a verb, fixing an object)
  • 你能帮我把这个书架固定在墙上吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ bǎ zhège shūjià gùdìng zài qiáng shàng ma?
  • English: Can you help me fix this bookshelf to the wall?
  • Analysis: A clear example of 固定 as a verb of action. The 把 (bǎ) structure is very common here.
• Example 3: (Describing a regular schedule)
  • 我们每周五下午三点有固定的会议。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen měi zhōu wǔ xiàwǔ sān diǎn yǒu gùdìng de huìyì.
  • English: We have a regular meeting every Friday at 3 PM.
  • Analysis: 固定 means the time is set and doesn't change from week to week. It implies routine.
• Example 4: (Describing a fixed price)
  • 在这家商店，所有商品的价格都是固定的，不能讲价。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhè jiā shāngdiàn, suóyǒu shāngpǐn de jiàgé dōu shì gùdìng de, bùnéng jiǎngjià.
  • English: In this store, the prices of all items are fixed; you can't bargain.
  • Analysis: This is a common phrase you'll see or hear while shopping. 固定 means non-negotiable.
• Example 5: (Describing fixed assets in business)
  • 公司正在盘点所有的固定资产，比如电脑和办公桌。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī zhèngzài pándiǎn suóyǒu de gùdìng zīchǎn, bǐrú diànnǎo hé bàngōngzhuō.
  • English: The company is taking inventory of all fixed assets, such as computers and desks.
  • Analysis: 固定资产 (gùdìng zīchǎn) is a standard business term for “fixed assets.”
• Example 6: (Describing a fixed gaze)
  • 他的眼睛固定地看着电脑屏幕，非常专注。
  • Pinyin: Tā de yǎnjīng gùdìng de kànzhe diànnǎo píngmù, fēicháng zhuānzhù.
  • English: His eyes were fixed on the computer screen, very focused.
  • Analysis: The adverbial form 固定地 (gùdìng de) is used here to describe the manner of the verb 看 (kàn), meaning to look in a fixed, unmoving way.
• Example 7: (Describing a fixed salary)
  • 我的月薪是固定的，没有提成或奖金。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de yuèxīn shì gùdìng de, méiyǒu tíchéng huò jiǎngjīn.
  • English: My monthly salary is fixed; there's no commission or bonus.
  • Analysis: This clarifies the nature of the income—it's predictable and doesn't fluctuate.
• Example 8: (Fastening equipment)
  • 骑车前，请确保你的头盔已经固定好。
  • Pinyin: Qíchē qián, qǐng quèbǎo nǐ de tóukuī yǐjīng gùdìng hǎo.
  • English: Before riding the bike, please make sure your helmet is fastened securely.
  • Analysis: Here, 固定好 (gùdìng hǎo) means “to have fixed/fastened properly.” The 好 (hǎo) acts as a result complement.
• Example 9: (Referring to a fixed telephone line)
  • 现在用固定电话的人越来越少了。
  • Pinyin: Xiànzài yòng gùdìng diànhuà de rén yuèláiyuè shǎo le.
  • English: Fewer and fewer people use landlines (fixed-line telephones) now.
  • Analysis: 固定电话 (gùdìng diànhuà) is the standard term for a landline, as opposed to a mobile phone (手机, shǒujī).
• Example 10: (Describing a fixed mindset, often with a negative connotation)
  • 他的思维太固定了，不愿意接受任何新想法。
  • Pinyin: Tā de sīwéi tài gùdìng le, bú yuànyì jiēshòu rènhé xīn xiǎngfǎ.
  • English: His mindset is too fixed; he's unwilling to accept any new ideas.
  • Analysis: In this context, 固定 takes on a negative meaning similar to “rigid” or “inflexible.” It's one of the few cases where it can be critical.

A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 固定 (gùdìng) and 稳定 (wěndìng). They can both translate to “stable,” but they are not interchangeable.

• 固定 (gùdìng) - Fixed / Unchanging: This emphasizes that something is set and does not change. A price is `固定`, a rule is `固定`, a schedule is `固定`. It focuses on the lack of variation.
• 稳定 (wěndìng) - Stable / Steady: This emphasizes a state of equilibrium and reliability, even if there are minor fluctuations. A relationship is `稳定`, the economy is `稳定`, and a person's emotions are `稳定`. It focuses on the lack of drastic or dangerous change.

Common Mistake Example:

• Incorrect: 他今天的情绪很固定。 (Tā jīntiān de qíngxù hěn gùdìng.)
• Why it's wrong: Emotions aren't “fixed” in place like a screw. They are either calm and steady or they are not.
• Correct: 他今天的情绪很稳定。 (Tā jīntiān de qíngxù hěn wěndìng.) - His emotions are very stable today.

Think of it this way: You want a 固定 price, but a 稳定 relationship.

• 稳定 (wěndìng) - Stable, steady. The closest synonym but emphasizes reliability over being completely unchanging.
• 不变 (bùbiàn) - Unchanging, constant. A more absolute term that describes something that simply does not change, ever.
• 确定 (quèdìng) - To determine, to confirm; definite. This is often the verb that leads to a `固定` state. You `确定` a time for a meeting, and then the time becomes `固定`.
• 死板 (sǐbǎn) - Rigid, inflexible. This is the negative connotation of `固定`. It describes a person or rule that is so fixed it cannot adapt.
• 安排 (ānpái) - To arrange. The action of planning and setting up something, which often results in a `固定` schedule or plan.
• 安装 (ānzhuāng) - To install. A specific verb for physically fixing equipment or software into place.
• 常规 (chángguī) - Routine, convention. Describes a `固定` way of doing things that has become the norm.
• 铁饭碗 (tiě fànwǎn) - “Iron rice bowl.” A cultural concept representing a perfectly secure, lifelong job—the ultimate `固定工作`.