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

HSK 4

穷人也要有志气。

Qióngrén yě yào yǒu zhìqì.

Even the poor should have backbone.

HSK 7-9

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.

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