HSK · Level 76
45 words
Chinese word
争气
Pronunciation
Pinyinzhēng qì
Meaning
- verbprove oneself
Example
考试不及格后，他决定争气，好好复习。kǎo shì bù jí gé hòu tā jué dìng zhēng qì háo hǎo fù xí
After failing the exam, he decided to prove himself by reviewing thoroughly.
More examples
他在公司受了委屈，决定争气，争取升职。tā zài gōng sī shòu le wěi qū jué dìng zhēng qì zhēng qǔ shēng zhí
After being treated unfairly at work, he decided to prove himself and seek a promotion.
Core concept
Using real achievement to restore confidence and challenge a low opinion.
Common phrases
为父母争气wèi fù mǔ zhēng qì
make one's parents proud
为家人争气wèi jiā rén zhēng qì
make one's family proud
争气一下zhēng qì yí xià
show some spirit
Similar words
振作zhèn zuò: Shaking off discouragement or tiredness and becoming active again.
加油jiā yóu: Putting forth effort and continuing to work toward a goal.
拼搏pīn bó: Fighting through difficulties by using every bit of one's strength.
奋起fèn qǐ: Recovering one's drive from a triggering event and starting earnest effort.
Definition in Chinese
遭遇挫折后，为了让别人改观或取得好成绩而奋发努力zāo yù cuò zhé hòu wèi le ràng bié rén gǎi guān huò qǔ dé hǎo chéng jì ér fèn fā nǔ lì
Word origin
The modern word 争气 (zhēngqì, "prove oneself") is commonly understood as a shortened form of 争一口气 (zhēng yì kǒu qì, "fight for one's pride"), framing achievement as a way to uphold one's dignity.
Usage tips
- English speakers may hear this word where English would use "work hard," but the Chinese word also highlights changing another person's judgment through the result.