争气

• Pinyin: zhēng qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 争 = 爫 + 彐 (contend); 气 = simplified from 氣 (vapour/spirit)

Meaning

To be a credit to; to make a good showing. To live up to expectations and not disappoint those who believe in you.

Often used by elders encouraging younger generations. 不争气 (not living up to expectations) is a common criticism. Implies effort and determination to prove oneself worthy.

Examples

1. 父母含辛茹苦把你养大，你要争气，好好学习。 Your parents raised you through so much hardship—you need to make them proud and study hard.
2. 他从小家境贫寒，但非常争气，最终考上了重点大学。 He grew up poor, but he really rose to the occasion and eventually got into a top university.
3. 这孩子太不争气了，整天只知道玩游戏。 This kid is so disappointing—he does nothing all day but play video games.

Usage Guide

Context: family, education, personal development

Tone: encouraging

Do Say

• 你要争气一点，别让关心你的人失望。(You need to make a good showing — don't disappoint those who care about you.)
• 她很争气，年纪轻轻就当上了部门主管。(She really made good — she became a department head at a young age.)

Don't Say

• 这台机器很争气 — 争气 applies to people showing determination, not to machines functioning well; use 这台机器很给力 or 很可靠

Origin & History

争 (compete/strive) + 气 (spirit/morale) — striving to show one's mettle

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal