巩固 (gǒnggù)

To consolidate or strengthen means to make something more solid, stable, and secure, preventing it from weakening or being lost.

Meanings

[verb] to consolidate; to strengthen; to reinforce; to solidify; to make secure

Example Sentences

学生需要通过反复练习来巩固所学的知识。 Xuéshēng xūyào tōngguò fǎnfù liànxí lái gǒnggù suǒ xué de zhīshi. Students need to consolidate what they have learned through repeated practice.

这次改革旨在巩固市场经济体制。 Zhè cì gǎigé zhǐ zài gǒnggù shìchǎng jīngjì tǐzhì. This reform aims to consolidate the market economy system.

两国领导人会面，旨在巩固双边友好关系。 Liǎng guó lǐngdǎo rén huìmiàn, zhǐ zài gǒnggù shuāngbiān yǒuhǎo guānxi. The leaders of the two countries met with the aim of consolidating bilateral friendly relations.

政府采取了一系列措施来巩固社会稳定。 Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔle yī xìliè cuòshī lái gǒnggù shèhuì wěndìng. The government took a series of measures to consolidate social stability.

他每天复习笔记，以巩固课堂上学到的内容。 Tā měi tiān fùxí bǐjì, yǐ gǒnggù kètáng shàng xuédào de nèiróng. He reviews his notes every day to reinforce what he learned in class.

成功的第一步是巩固基础，而不是急于求成。 Chénggōng de dì yī bù shì gǒnggù jīchǔ, ér bù shì jíyú qiú chéng. The first step to success is to consolidate the foundation, not to rush for quick results.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
巩固基础 (gǒnggù jīchǔ)	to consolidate/strengthen the foundation
巩固关系 (gǒnggù guānxi)	to consolidate/strengthen relations
巩固知识 (gǒnggù zhīshi)	to consolidate knowledge
巩固成果 (gǒnggù chéngguǒ)	to consolidate achievements/gains
巩固地位 (gǒnggù dìwèi)	to consolidate one's position
巩固稳定 (gǒnggù wěndìng)	to consolidate stability

Usage Notes

巩固 is a formal verb most commonly used in educational, political, and diplomatic contexts. In education, it refers to reinforcing learning through review and practice. In political and social contexts, it means making institutions, relationships, or conditions more stable and secure.

The object of 巩固 is typically something that already exists but could be weakened -- knowledge, relationships, power, stability, foundations. It implies making the existing good situation more durable and resistant to change or erosion.

Memory Hook

巩 (consolidate; the character shows "work" done around a "tool") + 固 (solid/firm) -- imagine fortifying a wall until it becomes rock solid, beyond any doubt.