厚实 (hòu shi) is an adjective meaning 'sturdy', 'substantial', or 'solidly built'. It combines 厚 (hòu), which means 'thick' or 'deep', and 实 (shi), meaning 'real', 'solid', or 'substantial'. Together, they emphasize physical density, strength, and reliability — not just thickness, but thickness that conveys durability and resilience. The word often describes physical qualities: a thick, tough hide; a muscular, well-built body; or dense, heavy fabric.

While it can describe objects like furniture or clothing, 厚实 is especially common when talking about animals — for instance, describing livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep) with strong, fleshy builds ideal for meat production. It carries a positive, appreciative tone, suggesting health, robustness, and natural vigor. Unlike purely quantitative terms like 厚 (thick), 厚实 implies functional strength and structural integrity.