艰苦奋斗

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jiān kǔ fèn dòu
• English Translation: To endure hardships and strive diligently; to work hard and persevere through difficulties
• Idiom Composition: 「艰」（Difficult, hard）＋「苦」（Bitter, hardship）＋「奋」（To strive, to exert oneself）＋「斗」（To fight, to struggle）
• Meaning: To work hard and persevere in the face of many difficulties and hardships, advancing steadily toward a goal. It describes not just effort, but a strong will to overcome adversity and keep moving forward.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「艰苦奋斗」 contains the following nuances:

• Difficult circumstances: Indicates that the situation faced is very challenging and full of hardships, not just simple effort.
• Strong will: Expresses the determination and strong will to strive toward a goal without yielding to difficulties.
• Indomitable spirit: Emphasizes the spirit of never giving up and continuing to work hard despite obstacles and adversity.
• Long-term effort: Means sustained and continuous effort over a long period, not just temporary exertion.

3. Usage

「艰苦奋斗」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Praise: Used to praise people who work hard in difficult situations or who have achieved goals through hardship.
  • Example:「正是靠着这种艰苦奋斗的精神，我们才取得了今天的成就。」
    （It is precisely because of this spirit of hard work and perseverance that we have achieved today's success.）
• Encouragement: Used to encourage people facing difficulties to keep working hard and not give up.
  • Example:「面对严峻的国际形势，我们更要发扬艰苦奋斗的精神，自力更生。」
    （Facing the severe international situation, we must further carry forward the spirit of hard work and perseverance and rely on ourselves.）
• Self-development: Used to inspire oneself and renew determination to face difficulties.
  • Example:「虽然生活条件艰苦，但他依然保持着乐观的态度，艰苦奋斗，最终走出了困境。」
    （Although living conditions were harsh, he maintained an optimistic attitude, worked hard and persevered, and eventually overcame the difficulties.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在创业初期，他们艰苦奋斗，最终实现了梦想。
   （At the beginning of their startup, they worked hard and persevered, and ultimately realized their dream.）
2. 老一辈科学家在艰苦的条件下，艰苦奋斗，为国家的科技进步做出了巨大贡献。
   （The older generation of scientists worked hard under difficult conditions and made great contributions to the country's scientific and technological progress.）
3. 经过多年的艰苦奋斗，他终于成为了一名著名的作家。
   （After years of hard work and perseverance, he finally became a famous writer.）
4. 为了实现自己的理想，他艰苦奋斗，从不放弃。
   （To realize his ideals, he worked hard and persevered, never giving up.）
5. 运动员们在赛场上艰苦奋斗，为国争光。
   （The athletes fought hard on the field and won glory for their country.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '艰苦奋斗' is deeply connected to the history of the Chinese Communist Party's revolution and construction. Leaders like Mao Zedong repeatedly emphasized this phrase to inspire party members and the people during difficult times.
• This idiom embodies traditional virtues of the Chinese nation such as 'self-improvement without rest' and 'unyielding spirit despite setbacks.'
• In modern society, '艰苦奋斗' remains an important value. In an increasingly competitive environment, this spirit is considered essential for individuals and organizations to achieve success.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī): To continuously improve oneself and persistently strive.
  • 百折不挠 (bǎi zhé bù náo): To never give up despite numerous setbacks.
  • 锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě): To persevere with patience and never give up.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 贪图安逸 (tān tú ān yì): To indulge in comfort and ease.
  • 好逸恶劳 (hào yì wù láo): To prefer leisure and dislike hard work.

6. Summary

'艰苦奋斗' is an idiom deeply rooted in Chinese history and culture, expressing a strong will and indomitable spirit to face difficulties beyond mere effort. Understanding and using this phrase appropriately can enhance your Chinese expression skills and deepen your understanding of Chinese mentality and values.