自强不息

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zì qiáng bù xī
• English Translation: To constantly encourage oneself and make unceasing efforts; to strive for self-improvement
• Idiom Composition: 「自」（Oneself）＋「强」（To strengthen, to strive）＋「不」（Not）＋「息」（To rest, to stop）
• Meaning: To constantly motivate oneself and persist in making efforts. It expresses a strong will to keep moving forward without giving up, even when facing difficulties or setbacks.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「自强不息」 contains the following nuances:

• Continuous effort: Emphasizes sustained effort over a long period rather than temporary attempts.
• Self-development: Represents the attitude of growing and improving through one's own efforts without relying on others.
• Indomitable spirit: Shows a strong will to continue advancing toward goals without being defeated by difficulties or adversity.
• Ambition for improvement: Means the desire to improve continuously without being satisfied with the current state.

3. Usage

「自强不息」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Character evaluation: Used to praise someone who is hardworking and has a strong desire for self-improvement.
  • Example:「他一直秉持着自强不息的精神，最终取得了事业上的成功。」
    （He has always upheld the spirit of unceasing self-improvement and ultimately achieved success in his career.）
• Expression of mindset and attitude: Expresses the mindset and attitude when facing difficulties and striving to achieve goals.
  • Example:「在学习上，我们应该有自强不息的决心，不断追求新知。」
    （In learning, we should have the determination of unceasing self-improvement and continuously pursue new knowledge.）
• Organizational or group slogan: Used by companies, schools, and other organizations as a slogan to encourage members' efforts and growth.
  • Example:「这个团队以自强不息的态度，克服了一个又一个难关。」
    （This team overcame one challenge after another with an attitude of unceasing self-improvement.）

Additional Examples:

1. 面对生活的挑战，她展现出了自强不息的勇气。
   （Facing life's challenges, she showed the courage of unceasing self-improvement.）
2. 这个国家的发展历史，就是一段自强不息的奋斗史。
   （The history of this country's development is a story of unceasing self-improvement and struggle.）
3. 作为一名运动员，他每天都自强不息地进行训练，从不懈怠。
   （As an athlete, he trained every day with unceasing self-improvement and never slackened.）
4. 只有自强不息，才能在激烈的竞争中立于不败之地。
   （Only by unceasing self-improvement can one establish an undefeated position in fierce competition.）
5. 老师经常用“自强不息”这个成语来激励我们要努力学习。
   （The teacher often uses the idiom '自强不息' to encourage us to study hard.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '自强不息' originates from the I Ching (Book of Changes) phrase 'Heaven's movement is vigorous; the gentleman should strive for self-improvement unceasingly.' It reflects the Confucian virtue of self-cultivation.
• This idiom widely symbolizes values cherished by the Chinese people since ancient times, such as diligence, perseverance, and the desire for continuous improvement.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě): To carve without giving up halfway; to persevere with patience.
  • 持之以恒 (chí zhī yǐ héng): To persist over a long period.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi): To give up halfway; to quit without finishing.
  • 一曝十寒 (yí pù shí hán): To expose to the sun one day and leave in the cold for ten; a metaphor for inconsistent effort.

6. Summary

'自强不息' is a deeply rooted idiom in Chinese history and culture, representing an important spirit that supports personal growth, success, and even national development. Understanding and mastering this idiom is highly beneficial not only for improving Chinese language skills but also for deepening one's understanding of Chinese culture.