争气

爭氣

zhēngqì

verb HSK 7-9 #21,881

Meanings

1 to try to make a good showing; to live up to expectations
2 to bring credit to oneself

Characters

to compete; to fight for

spirit; morale; breath

Literally 'to fight for one's spirit/dignity.' The idea is to prove yourself through effort and make people proud.

Examples

你要争气，别让爸妈失望。

Nǐ yào zhēngqì, bié ràng bà mā shīwàng.

You need to make us proud, don't disappoint your parents.

他很争气，考上了名牌大学。

Tā hěn zhēngqì, kǎoshàng le míngpái dàxué.

He lived up to expectations and got into a prestigious university.

这孩子真不争气。

Zhè háizi zhēn bù zhēngqì.

This kid is such a disappointment.

Tips

culture

争气 is deeply tied to Chinese family values. Parents saying 你要争气 isn't just about personal success — it's about bringing honor to the family. The opposite, 不争气, is one of the most stinging things a Chinese parent can say about their child.

Stroke Order

争 zhēng

气 qì