脚踏实地
Be down-to-earth
Literalmente: Feet tread solid ground
Use this to praise someone who works hard and stays realistic instead of chasing empty dreams.
En 15 segundos
- Stay grounded and focus on practical, steady progress.
- Work hard without seeking shortcuts or unrealistic fantasies.
- A high compliment for being reliable and down-to-earth.
Significado
It means staying grounded and working hard with a steady, realistic approach. Imagine someone who doesn't just dream big but actually does the boring, necessary work to get there.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Giving advice to a younger sibling
你要脚踏实地，不要总想着一夜暴富。
You need to be down-to-earth; don't always think about getting rich overnight.
A boss praising an employee in a meeting
小王工作一向脚踏实地，大家要向他学习。
Xiao Wang has always been down-to-earth in his work; everyone should learn from him.
Texting a friend about a new crush
他这人挺脚踏实地的，感觉很靠谱。
He's quite down-to-earth, feels very reliable.
Contexto cultural
Originating from the 'History of Song', this idiom reflects the Confucian emphasis on practical action over empty talk. In modern China, it is often contrasted with the 'fast-food culture' of seeking instant success, serving as a reminder to value the process of steady growth.
The 'Solid' Feeling
If you want to sound more native in casual speech, just use the word `踏实` (tā shi). It describes that warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing things are under control.
Not for 'Boring'
While it means practical, it isn't an insult. In Western slang, 'down-to-earth' can sometimes imply someone is unexciting, but in Chinese, it's almost 100% positive.
En 15 segundos
- Stay grounded and focus on practical, steady progress.
- Work hard without seeking shortcuts or unrealistic fantasies.
- A high compliment for being reliable and down-to-earth.
What It Means
脚踏实地 is about being a doer, not just a dreamer. It describes someone who is reliable and practical. They don't look for shortcuts or get lost in fantasies. Their feet are firmly planted on the earth while they work.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective to describe a person's character. You can also use it as an adverb to describe how someone works. It usually follows a person's name or a pronoun. For example, "He is very 脚踏实地." It sounds like a high compliment in any setting.
When To Use It
Use it when praising a colleague who never misses a deadline. Use it when giving advice to a friend who has wild, unrealistic plans. It is perfect for job interviews to describe your work ethic. It also works well in wedding toasts to describe a dependable partner.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it to describe someone who is being adventurous or spontaneous. If your friend is skydiving or quit their job to travel, this isn't the phrase. It is not for 'dreamers' who ignore reality. Avoid using it for someone who is lazy or cutting corners. It implies effort, so don't use it for someone who got lucky.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a classic Chinese Chengyu (four-character idiom). It reflects the deep-rooted value of hard work in Chinese culture. Historically, agricultural success depended on steady, daily labor. Today, it remains one of the most respected traits in Chinese society. It is the opposite of being 'floating' or 'hollow'.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 踏踏实实 (tā tā shí shí). This is a more casual, doubled-up version. It emphasizes the feeling of being safe and reliable. While 脚踏实地 is the formal idiom, 踏实 is the everyday word for feeling grounded. Both carry that same sense of 'solid' reality.
Notas de uso
This is a very safe, high-frequency idiom. It works in 99% of situations where you want to praise someone's reliability. There are no hidden negative connotations.
The 'Solid' Feeling
If you want to sound more native in casual speech, just use the word `踏实` (tā shi). It describes that warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing things are under control.
Not for 'Boring'
While it means practical, it isn't an insult. In Western slang, 'down-to-earth' can sometimes imply someone is unexciting, but in Chinese, it's almost 100% positive.
The Opposite
The cultural opposite is `好高骛远` (hào gāo wù yuǎn), which means reaching for the stars without having your feet on the ground. Use them together for a great contrast!
Ejemplos
6你要脚踏实地，不要总想着一夜暴富。
You need to be down-to-earth; don't always think about getting rich overnight.
Used here to discourage unrealistic shortcuts.
小王工作一向脚踏实地，大家要向他学习。
Xiao Wang has always been down-to-earth in his work; everyone should learn from him.
A formal professional compliment.
他这人挺脚踏实地的，感觉很靠谱。
He's quite down-to-earth, feels very reliable.
Used to describe a positive personality trait in dating.
我是一个脚踏实地的人，愿意从基层做起。
I am a down-to-earth person, willing to start from the ground up.
Shows humility and a strong work ethic.
兄弟，先脚踏实地把第一块砖贴好吧！
Bro, let's be down-to-earth and just get the first brick laid correctly first!
Playfully bringing someone back to reality.
只要脚踏实地地努力，你早晚会成功的。
As long as you work in a down-to-earth way, you will succeed sooner or later.
Used as an adverb to describe the method of working.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about career growth.
做生意不能投机取巧，必须___。
The sentence says you shouldn't take shortcuts (投机取巧), so the opposite is being grounded and practical (脚踏实地).
How would you describe a reliable partner?
我喜欢___的人，因为他们让人有安全感。
Reliable people who give a sense of security are described as 'down-to-earth'.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 脚踏实地
Used with friends to describe a 'solid' guy.
他这人很踏实。
The standard idiom used in most conversations.
我们需要脚踏实地的工作态度。
Used in speeches or official documents.
坚持脚踏实地，实事求是的原则。
Where to use 脚踏实地
Job Interview
Describing your work style.
Parenting
Teaching kids to work hard.
Performance Review
Praising a steady employee.
Romantic Advice
Looking for a reliable partner.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! You can use it to describe a person's character in a relationship or their approach to learning a hobby. For example, 学琴要脚踏实地 means you should practice your scales instead of just trying to play fast.
Yes, it shows humility. Saying 我会脚踏实地地努力 (I will work hard and stay grounded) is a very common and respected way to express commitment.
Hardworking (努力) just means putting in effort. 脚踏实地 adds the layer of being realistic and methodical. You can work hard but be doing the wrong things; this phrase implies you are doing the right, practical things.
It's a bit formal, but totally fine. If you want to be more 'text-friendly,' you can just use 踏实 (tā shi). For example: 他这人挺踏实的.
The phrase itself is positive. However, if you want to say someone is NOT grounded, you'd say they are 不脚踏实地 or 爱幻想 (likes to fantasize).
Yes. A 脚踏实地的计划 is a realistic plan that can actually be achieved, as opposed to a 'pie in the sky' dream.
It is jiǎo tà shí dì. Make sure to emphasize the 'shí' (solid) to really get the point across!
Not exactly a slang term, but people often use 靠谱 (kào pǔ), which means 'reliable' or 'consistent' in a more modern, casual way.
Very often. It is a core value for many Chinese companies. You'll see it in mission statements and corporate slogans.
Yes, it's taught early in school. It's a very common 'moral' in stories for children about the tortoise and the hare.
Frases relacionadas
实事求是
Seek truth from facts; be pragmatic.
兢兢业业
Cautious and conscientious; dedicated to work.
好高骛远
Aim too high; reach for what is beyond one's grasp (the opposite).
靠谱
Reliable; dependable (modern/casual).
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