Chinese word

发愤图强

Pronunciation

Pinyinfā fèn tú qiáng

Meaning

  • idiomwork hard to improve oneself

Example

为了考上大学，他开始发愤图强。wèi le kǎo shàng dà xué tā kāi shǐ fā fèn tú qiáng

To get into college, he began working hard to improve himself.

Illustration for 发愤图强 (work hard to improve oneself)

More examples

失业后，他没有发愤图强，反而变得消沉。shī yè hòu tā méi yǒu fā fèn tú qiáng fǎn ér biàn de xiāo chén

After he lost his job, he did not work hard to improve himself; instead, he became depressed.

Core concept

A determined climb that turns effort into greater ability and better prospects.

Common phrases

  • 开始发愤图强kāi shǐ fā fèn tú qiáng

    start working hard to improve oneself

  • 下定决心发愤图强xià dìng jué xīn fā fèn tú qiáng

    decide to work hard to improve oneself

  • 发愤图强起来fā fèn tú qiáng qǐ lái

    begin working hard to improve oneself

Similar words

奋发图强fèn fā tú qiáng: Applying renewed energy and effort to improve strength, ability, or results.
刻苦耐劳kè kǔ nài láo: Persisting in hard work despite hardship, strain, or tiredness.
孜孜不倦zī zī bú juàn: Working or learning tirelessly with constant focus and enthusiasm.
勤学苦练qín xué kǔ liàn: Gaining skills or knowledge through serious study and repeated practice.

Definition in Chinese

下定决心努力学习或奋斗，以提高能力或改善境遇。xià dìng jué xīn nǔ lì xué xí huò fèn dòu yǐ tí gāo néng lì huò gǎi shàn jìng yù

Word origin

发愤图强 (fāfèntúqiáng, "work hard to improve oneself") joins 发愤 (fāfèn, "rouse oneself to effort") and 图强 (túqiáng, "seek strength") to express determined striving for self-improvement.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this idiom sounds formal and purposeful, so it fits speeches, writing, and serious encouragement better than casual small talk.

Opposites

Word lists with this word