Chinese Conversation · Level 45
90 words
Chinese word
修身
Pronunciation
Pinyinxiū shēn
Meaning
- verbimprove oneself
Example
我们应该通过学习来修身。wǒ men yīng gāi tōng guò xué xí lái xiū shēn
We should improve ourselves through learning.
More examples
他在工作之余努力修身，态度更成熟了。tā zài gōng zuò zhī yú nǔ lì xiū shēn tài dù gèng chéng shú le
He practices self-improvement in his spare time, and his attitude has become more mature.
Core concept
Deliberate self-training that turns everyday conduct into a stronger, more capable self.
Common phrases
实践修身shí jiàn xiū shēn
practice self-improvement
Similar words
自律zì lǜ: Control one's actions through rules or willpower to keep them orderly.
培养péi yǎng: Develop an ability or good habit gradually through time and effort.
修养xiū yǎng: Refine personal character and cultural understanding through learning and daily life.
Definition in Chinese
通过调整言行和培养良好习惯来磨练自身的品性与能力。tōng guò tiáo zhěng yán xíng hé péi yǎng liáng hǎo xí guàn lái mó liàn zì shēn de pǐn xìng yǔ néng lì
Word origin
In classical Confucian usage, 修身 (xiūshēn, "cultivating oneself") describes putting one's own conduct in order, which led to its broader sense of developing character.
Usage tips
- A useful everyday distinction is that 修身 (xiūshēn, "self-cultivation") concerns the person being shaped, while ordinary discussions of physical training usually use more direct fitness vocabulary.
Other meanings
- discipline oneselfverb
- cultivate one's characterverb
Opposites
- 放纵fàng zòngindulge oneselfverb
- 松懈sōng xièslack offverb