Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Robust, sturdy, strong: Describes a person or object that is physically strong, solid, and in good, healthy condition, often implying resilience and durability.
   • Vigorous, hardy: Refers to a person, especially an elderly one, who remains healthy, active, and strong despite age.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông cụ 80 tuổi nhưng vẫn rất cứng cáp. (The old man is 80 years old but still very robust.)
  • Cần chọn những cây con cứng cáp để trồng. (We need to choose sturdy young plants for planting.)
  • Sau thời gian tập luyện, cơ thể anh ấy trở nên cứng cáp hơn. (After a period of training, his body became stronger and more solid.)

Advanced Usage

• "cứng cáp về thể chất": physically robust.
  • Sức khỏe tốt giúp người cao tuổi cứng cáp về thể chất. (Good health helps the elderly be physically robust.)
• "tinh thần cứng cáp": strong-minded, resilient in spirit (a figurative extension).
  • Cô ấy đã vượt qua khó khăn nhờ tinh thần cứng cáp. (She overcame difficulties thanks to her strong-mindedness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cứng (adj): Hard, stiff, rigid. (e.g., - hard wood). Note: "Cứng" focuses on hardness, while "cứng cáp" focuses on robust strength.
• Khỏe mạnh (adj): Healthy, well. This is a more general term for good health.
• Vạm vỡ (adj): Burly, brawny, heavily built. Emphasizes a large, muscular physique more than "cứng cáp".

Synonyms

• Rắn rỏi: Strong and firm, often used for both physical and mental strength.
• Tráng kiện: Hale and hearty, vigorous (often used for the elderly).
• Chắc chắn: Solid, firm, secure. Can refer to objects or non-physical concepts like plans.

Related Idioms

• "Gân đồng da sắt": (Idiom: "tendons of bronze, skin of iron") Means extremely tough and durable, much stronger than simply "cứng cáp".
  • Người lính ấy có sức chịu đựng như gân đồng da sắt. (That soldier has endurance like tendons of bronze and skin of iron.)