Definition
脚踏实地 (jiǎo tà shí dì) is a four-character idiom meaning 'down-to-earth, realistic' — it emphasizes a steady, step-by-step approach grounded in reality. Unlike the adjectives 实际 and 现实 (which also mean 'practical, realistic'), 脚踏实地 is a set phrase that specifically conveys a methodical attitude without flights of fancy. 切实 is closer but focuses on feasibility rather than the steady-progress image.
phrase
down-to-earthrealisticpractical
idiom
to be firmly grounded in reality
Examples
- 脚踏实地,。Tā zuò shì yíxiàng jiǎo tā shí dì, cóng bù kōngxiǎng.He has always been down-to-earth in his work and never indulges in fantasies.
- 脚踏实地。jiǎo tā shí dì de tàidu shì chénggōng de guānjiàn.A down-to-earth attitude is the key to success.
- 脚踏实地,。Niánqīng rén yào jiǎo tā shí dì, yí bù yí gè jiǎoyìn de jìnbù.Young people need to be practical and make steady progress step by step.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.