志气

志氣

zhìqì

noun HSK 7-9 #28,960

Meanings

1 ambition; aspiration; backbone
2 determination; fighting spirit

Characters

will; aspiration; ambition

spirit; energy; breath

Literally 'ambition energy' — the inner fire that drives someone to aim high and refuse to give up. Combines willpower (志) with vital force (气).

Examples

这孩子有志气，将来一定有出息。

Zhè háizi yǒu zhìqì, jiānglái yídìng yǒu chūxi.

This kid has ambition; he'll definitely make something of himself.

穷人也要有志气。

Qióngrén yě yào yǒu zhìqì.

Even the poor should have backbone.

Tips

culture

有志气 is high praise in Chinese culture — it means someone has self-respect and refuses to accept a low position in life. Parents often say 要有志气 (have some ambition!) to encourage children. 没志气 (lacking ambition) is a serious criticism.

Stroke Order

志 zhì

气 qì