Meaning
踏实 describes someone who is reliable, practical, and conscientious in their work or behavior. It can also describe a mental state of feeling secure, reassured, or free from worry. The word carries positive connotations of being grounded and trustworthy.
Usage
Native speakers use 踏实 in two main ways: to praise someone's work ethic or character (他做事很踏实), or to describe feeling mentally settled after worry (心里踏实了). It's common in both spoken and written contexts, especially when discussing work attitude or emotional states. Often appears with verbs like 做事 (do things) or with 心里 (in one's heart).
Examples
- 01他做事很踏实，从来不偷懒。, .He works very dependably and never slacks off.
- 02听到考试成绩后，我心里终于踏实了。, .After hearing my exam results, I finally felt at ease.
Characters
Common collocations
- 做事踏实to work in a steady/reliable manner
- 心里踏实to feel at ease, reassured
- 踏实肯干steady and willing to work hard
- 睡得踏实to sleep soundly
Antonyms
Origin
The word literally means 'stepping solidly' (踏 = step + 实 = solid), suggesting someone whose feet are firmly planted on the ground, metaphorically representing reliability and stability.