众志成城

• Pinyin: zhòng zhì chéng chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 众 = many; 志 = 士 + 心 (scholar + heart — will); 成 = accomplish; 城 = 土 + 成 (earth + complete — city/wall)

Meaning

Unity is strength; when people are united, they become an impregnable fortress. Collective will achieves the impossible.

Classical idiom emphasising solidarity. Literally 'many wills form a city wall.' Used during national crises, disasters, or challenging projects. Frequently appears in government and media to rally collective effort.

Examples

1. 面对突如其来的疫情，全国人民众志成城，共克时艰。 Faced with the sudden outbreak, people across the country united as one to get through the hard times together.
2. 众志成城，我们一定能战胜这场自然灾害。 United as one, we will surely overcome this natural disaster.
3. 只要众志成城，就没有克服不了的困难。 As long as we stand united, there’s no difficulty we can’t overcome.

Usage Guide

Context: crises, national events, motivational speeches

Tone: inspiring

Do Say

• 在国家危难时刻，中华民族总能众志成城。(In times of national crisis, the Chinese nation can always unite as one.)
• 众志成城的精神是我们战胜困难的法宝。(The spirit of unity is our magic weapon for overcoming difficulties.)

Don't Say

• 我们小组众志成城完成了作业 — too grandiose for small tasks; reserve for significant collective achievements

Origin & History

From 'Guoyu' (国语): the combined will of the people forms walls stronger than any fortification

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal