励志

• Pinyin: lì zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 励 = 厉 + 力 (to spur/encourage with force); 志 = 士 + 心 (will/aspiration)

Meaning

Inspirational; motivational; to inspire and strengthen one's will or determination. Describes content or actions that stoke ambition and perseverance.

A widely used adjective in Chinese media, education, and self-improvement culture. 励志故事 (inspirational story), 励志电影 (motivational film), 励志演讲 (inspirational speech) are all standard collocations. Particularly resonant with younger generations pursuing academic or career goals.

Examples

1. 这部励志电影讲述了一位盲人钢琴家克服重重困境、登上国际舞台的故事。 This inspirational film tells the story of a blind pianist who overcomes countless hardships and makes it onto the international stage.
2. 他的演讲极具感染力，让在场每一位学生都燃起了追求梦想的热情。 His speech was deeply moving, igniting every student’s passion for pursuing their dreams.
3. 书架上摆满了励志读物，可见她对自我提升始终保有强烈的渴望。 Her bookshelf is filled with inspirational books, showing she has always had a strong desire for self-improvement.

Usage Guide

Context: media, education, self-improvement, youth culture

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 学校每年举办一次励志演讲比赛，鼓励学生分享克服困难的个人经历。(The school holds an inspirational speech competition every year to encourage students to share their personal experiences of overcoming difficulties.)
• 这位运动员的励志故事被改编成纪录片，在全国各地引发强烈反响。(This athlete's inspirational story was adapted into a documentary that sparked a strong response across the country.)

Don't Say

• 将'励志'等同于'鼓励' — 励志强调激发内在意志与进取心，鼓励泛指给予支持与肯定，两者侧重点不同

Origin & History

励 (to encourage/urge/spur) + 志 (will/ambition/aspiration)

Cultural Context

Generation: Young adults and students

Social background: Universal