气魄

• Pinyin: qì pò
• Hanzi breakdown: 气 = 气 (spirit/energy); 魄 = 鬼 (spirit) + 白 (white) (soul/vitality — the white spirit)

Meaning

Imposing spirit; boldness; grandeur; mettle. A quality of great vigour, daring, and impressive presence.

Describes the imposing aura or boldness of a person, work of art, or large-scale undertaking. A high-register term. Collocates with 宏大的气魄 (grand boldness) and 领袖气魄 (leadership mettle). Used for great leaders, grand projects, and powerful artistic works.

Examples

1. 这位领导人以其宏大的战略气魄和坚定的改革意志，推动了国家深刻的历史变革。 With sweeping strategic vision and a firm will to reform, this leader drove profound historical change in the country.
2. 长城的雄伟气魄令每一位登临者都不禁心生敬畏，感慨万千，叹为观止。 The sheer grandeur of the Great Wall fills every visitor who climbs it with awe, leaving them deeply moved and amazed.
3. 他写的书法龙飞凤舞，气魄磅礴，尽显大家的深厚功力与艺术风范。 His calligraphy soars and sweeps across the page with tremendous force, fully revealing a master’s deep skill and artistic presence.

Usage Guide

Context: leadership, arts, architecture

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 这位指挥家在台上的气魄令人折服，整个乐团在他的率领下爆发出震撼人心的能量。(The conductor's imposing presence on stage was awe-inspiring; the entire orchestra under his leadership unleashed a breathtaking energy.)
• 这项大型工程彰显了国家推进现代化建设的宏大气魄与坚定决心，令世界瞩目。(This large-scale project demonstrates the nation's grand boldness and firm resolve in advancing modernisation, drawing worldwide attention.)

Don't Say

• 我有气魄去买一杯咖啡 — 气魄 requires grand scale or truly impressive boldness; use 勇气/决心 for everyday personal courage or decisions

Origin & History

气 (spirit/energy/vigour) + 魄 (soul/vitality) — spirited vitality and imposing force

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal