执着

• Pinyin: zhí zhuó
• Hanzi breakdown: 执 = 扌+ 丸 (hold firmly); 着 = 羊 + 目 (attach — eyes fixed)

Meaning

Persistent; steadfastly devoted. Showing unwavering commitment to a goal, belief, or pursuit.

Originally a Buddhist term for attachment (执著), now commonly means positive persistence. Used for dedication to art, love, ideals, or careers. Can be written 执著 or 执着 interchangeably. Contrasted with 固执 (stubborn in a negative sense).

Examples

1. 她对舞蹈的执着感动了评委，最终获得冠军。 Her dedication to dance moved the judges, and she ultimately won the championship.
2. 他多年来执着于古建筑修复研究，成果丰硕。 For many years, he has stayed devoted to research on restoring ancient buildings, with impressive results.
3. 正是这份执着的精神，让他在逆境中坚持了下来。 It was this steadfast spirit that helped him persevere through adversity.

Usage Guide

Context: personal qualities, dedication, passion

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他对科学研究的执着令同事们敬佩不已。(His dedication to scientific research deeply impressed his colleagues.)
• 执着于梦想的人，终将收获成功的果实。(Those who persist in their dreams will eventually reap the fruits of success.)

Don't Say

• 他执着地吃完了饭 — 执着 implies long-term devotion, not completing a single meal; use 坚持 for such contexts

Origin & History

执 (hold/grasp) + 着 (attach) — holding on firmly, originally Buddhist concept of attachment

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal