突击

• Pinyin: tū jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 突 = 穴 (cave) + 犬 — sudden; 击 = strike

Meaning

To assault; to storm; blitz; to cram; sudden intensive effort.

Military meaning is a rapid, concentrated attack. Colloquially used for intensive last-minute efforts, like cramming for exams (突击复习) or rushing to complete a project before deadline.

Examples

1. 特种部队对恐怖分子据点发起了突击行动。 Special forces launched an assault on the terrorist stronghold.
2. 考试前一周他开始突击复习，效果还不错。 He started cramming a week before the exam — the results weren't bad.
3. 年底了各部门都在突击完成年度指标。 At year-end, all departments are rushing to complete their annual targets.

Usage Guide

Context: military, studying, work

Tone: intense

Do Say

• 突击检查。(Surprise inspection.)
• 突击复习。(Cram study.)

Don't Say

• 把日常工作叫'突击' (突击 implies intensive short-term effort — routine work is just 工作)

Origin & History

突 means sudden, 击 means to strike — a sudden strike.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal