吃苦

• Pinyin: chī kǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 吃 = to eat/experience; 苦 = 艹 (grass) + 古 (old) = bitter/hardship

Meaning

To endure hardship; to bear suffering; to go through tough times.

Literally 'to eat bitterness.' A key concept in Chinese culture emphasizing the value of perseverance through difficulty. Often used in phrases like 能吃苦 (able to endure hardship).

Examples

1. 年轻时吃点苦不是坏事，能锻炼人。 Enduring some hardship when young isn't a bad thing; it builds character.
2. 他从小吃苦，养成了坚韧的性格。 He endured hardship from a young age and developed a resilient personality.
3. 这份工作很辛苦，你要做好吃苦的准备。 This job is very demanding; you need to be prepared to tough it out.

Usage Guide

Context: encouragement, work ethic, life lessons

Tone: motivational

Do Say

• 吃得苦中苦，方为人上人。(Only those who endure the bitterest of hardships can rise above.)
• 她能吃苦，什么活都愿意干。(She can endure hardship and is willing to do any kind of work.)

Don't Say

• 我吃苦瓜就是吃苦 (Don't confuse literal bitter food with the metaphorical meaning of enduring hardship)

Origin & History

Verb-object phrase: 吃 (eat/experience) + 苦 (bitterness/hardship). Reflects the Chinese cultural value of enduring hardship for growth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal