战略

• Pinyin: zhàn lüè
• Hanzi breakdown: 战 = 占 (phonetic) + 戈 (weapon); 略 = 田 (field) + 各 (each)

Meaning

Strategy; an overall plan or approach to achieve long-term goals, especially in military, political, or business contexts.

Refers to high-level, long-term planning that considers the big picture. Distinguished from 战术 (tactics) which focuses on specific methods. Used in military, business, political, and personal development contexts. Often modified by adjectives like 发展战略 (development strategy) or 营销战略 (marketing strategy).

Examples

1. 公司制定了五年发展战略，目标是成为行业领导者。 The company has formulated a five-year development strategy with the goal of becoming an industry leader.
2. 这位将军以其高超的战略眼光闻名于世。 This general is world-famous for his exceptional strategic vision.
3. 国家正在调整能源战略，大力发展可再生能源。 The country is adjusting its energy strategy and vigorously developing renewable energy.

Usage Guide

Context: business, military, politics

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们需要调整市场战略来应对竞争。(We need to adjust our market strategy to respond to competition.)
• 战略上藐视敌人，战术上重视敌人。(Despise the enemy strategically, but take them seriously tactically.)

Don't Say

• 我的吃饭战略是先吃菜再吃饭。(Too trivial — 战略 is for important, long-term plans; use 习惯 for eating habits)

Origin & History

Compound of 战 (war, battle) and 略 (plan, outline). Originally a military term that has expanded to general strategic planning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal