Chinese word

志气

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhì qì

Meaning

  • nounambition

Example

他从小就有志气，想改变世界。tā cóng xiǎo jiù yǒu zhì qì xiǎng gǎi biàn shì jiè

He has had ambition since he was little and wants to change the world.

Illustration for 志气 (ambition)

More examples

工作多年后，他依然有志气，不满足于现状。gōng zuò duō nián hòu tā yī rán yǒu zhì qì bù mǎn zú yú xiàn zhuàng

After working for many years, he still has ambition and is not satisfied with the status quo.

Core concept

A strong inner drive that turns a goal into steady effort and courage under pressure.

Common phrases

  • 缺乏志气quē fá zhì qì

    lack ambition

  • 有志气yǒu zhì qì

    have ambition

  • 丧失志气sàng shī zhì qì

    lose ambition

Similar words

意志yì zhì: The mental strength needed to reach a goal by standing firm against difficulties.
干劲gàn jìn: Lively energy and willingness to put effort into work or learning.
士气shì qì: The level of confidence, energy, and motivation within a person or group.

Definition in Chinese

表示为实现理想或目标而产生的意志力、干劲与气概，指愿意付出努力并在困难面前坚持不放弃。biǎo shì wèi shí xiàn lí xiǎng huò mù biāo ér chǎn shēng de yì zhì lì gàn jìn yǔ qì gài zhǐ yuàn yì fù chū nǔ lì bìng zài kùn nán miàn qián jiān chí bú fàng qì

Word origin

志气 (zhìqì, "ambition") combines 志 (zhì, "aspiration") and 气 (qì, "spirit"), linking a goal with the inner energy needed to pursue it.

Usage tips

  • It is more natural for describing a person's conduct and character than for naming a plan, target, or wish, which prevents a common English-style overuse.

Other meanings

  • backbonenoun
  • fighting spiritnoun

Opposites

  • 怯懦qiè nuòcowardicenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word