争气

zhēng qì

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Rare

Definitions

1 item

to lose face

丢脸 means to lose face, the opposite of 争气 which aims to bring honor.

2 items

to make an effort; to try hard; to strive

Both involve striving, but 争气 emphasizes proving oneself or not letting others down.

to add oil

加油 is a cheer for encouragement, while 争气 is about determination to succeed.

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).

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

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.

to be disappointing

gas; air

to strive for