自强

自強

zìqiáng

verb #32,135

Meanings

1 to strive for self-improvement
2 to make oneself stronger; be self-reliant

Characters

Examples

HSK 7-9

他从小立志自强,不靠家里。

Tā cóngxiǎo lìzhì zìqiáng, bú kào jiālǐ.

From a young age he resolved to make his own way, not relying on his family.

HSK 7-9

天行健,君子以自强不息。

Tiān xíng jiàn, jūnzǐ yǐ zìqiáng-bùxī.

Heaven moves with vigor; thus the gentleman strives ceaselessly to better himself.

Tips

history

Famous from the Yi Jing 《周易·乾卦》: 天行健,君子以自强不息 - 'Heaven's motion is vigorous; the noble person uses this as a model to strive ceaselessly.' This single line is the motto of Tsinghua University (清华大学校训) and one of the most-quoted self-improvement maxims in Chinese culture.

Stroke Order

自 zì

强 qiáng