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.