投身

• Pinyin: tóu shēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 投 = 扌(hand) + 殳 — to throw; 身 = body, self

Meaning

To throw oneself into; to devote oneself to; to join.

To commit wholeheartedly to a cause, career, or movement. Implies dedication and sometimes sacrifice. Often used for noble pursuits like public service, revolution, or charity.

Examples

1. 他放弃了高薪工作，投身公益事业。 He gave up his high-paying job to devote himself to public welfare.
2. 年轻时她毅然投身革命，为理想奋斗了一辈子。 When she was young, she resolutely joined the revolution and fought for her ideals her whole life.
3. 越来越多的大学生毕业后投身创业大潮。 More and more college graduates are throwing themselves into the entrepreneurial wave.

Usage Guide

Context: career, dedication, movements

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 投身事业。(To devote oneself to a career.)
• 投身革命。(To join the revolution.)

Don't Say

• 把普通参与叫'投身' (投身 implies wholehearted commitment — casual involvement is just 参与 or 加入)

Origin & History

投 means to throw, 身 means body/self — to throw oneself into something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal