前进

• Pinyin: qián jìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 前 = 止 (foot) + 刂 (knife), meaning forward; 进 = 辶 (walk) + 井 (well), simplified from 進, meaning to enter or advance

Meaning

To advance; to move forward; to make progress. Describes forward movement in both a physical and metaphorical sense.

Used literally for physical forward movement (soldiers advancing, cars moving forward) and figuratively for making progress toward a goal. Very common in motivational speech, political language, and military contexts. Often paired with 继续 (continue) for encouragement.

Examples

1. 同学们，让我们一起向目标前进！ Classmates, let's advance together toward our goal!
2. 虽然困难很多，我们还是要继续前进。 Although there are many difficulties, we must keep moving forward.
3. 队伍在大雨中缓慢地前进着。 The procession moved slowly forward in the heavy rain.

Usage Guide

Context: motivation, military, progress

Tone: encouraging

Do Say

• 我们要不断前进，不能停下来。(We must keep advancing and cannot stop.)
• 社会在不断前进和发展。(Society is constantly advancing and developing.)

Don't Say

• 请前进到下一个窗口。(Don't use 前进 for casual directions like 'go to the next window' — use 走到 or 去 instead. 前进 implies purposeful advancement.)

Origin & History

前 means front or forward; 进 means to enter or advance. Together they reinforce the idea of moving ahead — stepping forward into new territory.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal