争气

zhēng qì

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Rare

Save to list

Definitions

1. to work hard for sth
2. to resolve on improvement
3. determined not to fall short

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial · $49.99 / year

Sign up with Google

Did Google show an error? Sorry about that. Use your email below instead.

Continue with Email

Lifetime for $119.99 Try a practice session

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 丢脸 diū liǎn 丢脸 diū liǎn to lose face 丢脸 means to lose face, the opposite of 争气 which aims to bring honor.: to lose face

Related words

2 items

• 努力 nǔ lì 努力 nǔ lì to make an effort; to try hard; to strive Both involve striving, but 争气 emphasizes proving oneself or not letting others down.: to make an effort; to try hard; to strive
• 加油 jiā yóu 加油 jiā yóu to add oil 加油 is a cheer for encouragement, while 争气 is about determination to succeed.: to add oil

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used in the negative form 不争气 to express disappointment, e.g., 这孩子真不争气 (This child really doesn't live up to expectations).

Formality

Common in both spoken and written Chinese, but carries a strong emotional charge related to family or social expectations.

Example Sentences

1 shown

我一定要 争气 ，考上好大学。

I must work hard and get into a good university to prove myself.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 争气

• 不争气 不争气 bù zhēng qì: to be disappointing

Child Words of 争气

• 气 气 qì: gas; air
• 争 争 zhēng: to strive for