持之以恒

• Pinyin: chí zhī yǐ héng
• Hanzi breakdown: 持 = hold; 之 = it (object marker); 以 = with; 恒 = constancy/perseverance

Meaning

To persevere; to persist consistently; to maintain constant effort over time.

A four-character idiom emphasizing steady, unwavering effort over the long term. Often used for encouraging persistence in studies, work, or self-improvement.

Examples

1. 学习语言需要持之以恒，不能三天打鱼两天晒网。 Learning a language requires perseverance; you can't fish for three days and dry nets for two.
2. 他持之以恒地锻炼身体，终于减肥成功了。 He exercised persistently and finally succeeded in losing weight.
3. 任何技能的掌握都需要持之以恒的练习。 Mastering any skill requires consistent practice.

Usage Guide

Context: encouragement, advice, self-improvement

Tone: motivational

Do Say

• 持之以恒才能取得成功。(Only through perseverance can you achieve success.)
• 学习贵在持之以恒。(The key to learning lies in persistent effort.)

Don't Say

• 我持之以恒地睡觉 (Too formal for ordinary activities — reserve for effort-requiring pursuits)

Origin & History

Classical idiom: 持 (hold/maintain) + 之 (it) + 以 (with) + 恒 (constancy). Means to maintain something with constancy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal