坚持不懈

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jiān chí bú xiè
• English Translation: To persist with determination, to persevere without giving up, to work tirelessly
• Idiom Composition: 「坚」（Firm, steadfast）＋「持」（To maintain, to keep）＋「不」（Not）＋「懈」（To slack off, to relax）
• Meaning: To hold firmly and continue without slacking off or giving up midway. It describes the state of continuing to work toward a goal despite difficulties and obstacles.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「坚持不懈」 contains the following nuances:

• Strong will: It represents having a strong will that doesn't give up easily even when facing difficulties.
• Continuous effort: It means continuing effort over a long period, not just temporary effort.
• Determination to achieve goals: It shows a strong determination to never give up until achieving one's goals.
• Patience and endurance: It describes the state of enduring and continuing to work hard even in difficult situations or when results are slow to come.

3. Usage

「坚持不懈」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing effort: Used when describing someone persistently working toward a goal.
  • Example:「他坚持不懈地练习，终于掌握了这门技术。」
    （He persistently continued practicing and finally mastered this technique.）
• Factor of success: Used when explaining that someone's success is due to their persistent and unwavering effort.
  • Example:「正是因为他的坚持不懈，才取得了今天的成就。」
    （It is precisely because of his persistent effort that today's success exists.）
• Encouragement or praise: Used when encouraging someone who continues to work hard or praising their efforts.
  • Example:「我相信，只要你坚持不懈，就一定能够实现梦想。」
    （I believe that if you continue to work tirelessly, you will surely realize your dreams.）

Additional Examples:

1. 经过多年的坚持不懈，他终于攻克了这个科学难题。
   （After years of relentless effort, he finally solved this scientific problem.）
2. 面对失败，她没有放弃，而是坚持不懈地寻找解决办法。
   （Even when facing failure, she didn't give up and persistently continued searching for solutions.）
3. 运动员们在赛场上坚持不懈，奋力拼搏，展现了体育精神。
   （The athletes tirelessly worked hard on the field, fought with all their strength, and demonstrated the spirit of sports.）
4. 只有坚持不懈地学习，才能不断提高自己的能力。
   （Only by persistently continuing to learn can one keep improving their abilities.）
5. 他坚持不懈地进行慈善工作，帮助了许多需要帮助的人。
   （He tirelessly carried out charity work and helped many people in need.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The value of effort in Chinese culture: Chinese culture has long emphasized the importance of effort. 'Jiān chí bú xiè' (坚持不懈) is an idiom that reflects this cultural value.
• Teachings of Xunzi: 'Jiān chí bú xiè' is said to derive from the ancient Chinese philosopher Xunzi's saying 'qiè ér bù shě, jīn shí kě lòu' (锲而不舍，金石可镂) - 'If you keep carving without stopping, even metal and stone can be engraved.' This phrase teaches the importance of continuing effort.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě): To keep carving without stopping, to work tirelessly.
  • 持之以恒 (chí zhī yǐ héng): To persist with determination, to work tirelessly.
  • 百折不挠 (bǎi zhé bù náo): To be indomitable, never yielding no matter how many setbacks.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi): To quit halfway, to give up midway.
  • 一曝十寒 (yī pù shí hán): To expose something to the sun for one day and then to cold for ten days - a metaphor for effort that doesn't last long.

6. Summary

'Jiān chí bú xiè' (坚持不懈) is an idiom that embodies the traditional Chinese value of effort. This phrase not only teaches the importance of working hard but also highlights the significance of persistently striving toward goals without being defeated by difficulties. Being aware of these cultural values when using this idiom allows for deeper understanding and more meaningful expression.