建立 (jiànlì) is a transitive verb meaning 'to establish' or 'to set up' — used when creating something formal, lasting, or institutional, such as organizations, relationships, systems, or standards. The first character 建 (jiàn) means 'to build' or 'to construct', often implying planning and effort; the second character 立 (lì) means 'to stand' or 'to set up', suggesting firmness and permanence. Together, they convey the idea of building something that stands solidly in place.

This word is commonly used in formal, written, or official contexts — for example, establishing diplomatic relations, founding a company, setting up a database, or creating trust between people. It is not used for casual or temporary actions (e.g., you wouldn’t say 建立 a coffee date). It typically takes a direct object and often appears with time phrases like 'in 1992' or modifiers like 'successfully' or 'formally'.