骨气

• Pinyin: gǔ qì
• Desglose de hanzi: 骨 = 冂 + 月 — bone, structural metaphor for inner strength; 气 = 气 — breath, spirit, vital energy within one's bones

Significado

Integridad con dignidad; temple moral; firmeza de principios.

A deeply culturally loaded term in Chinese, evoking images of scholars and heroes who refused to compromise their principles even under extreme hardship. Often used in praise of someone who stands firm against injustice, refuses bribes, or endures poverty with dignity. The concept is central to traditional Chinese character ideals.

Ejemplos

1. 在强权面前，他始终保持骨气，拒绝签署那份不公正的协议。
2. 一个有骨气的人，即便生活再艰难，也不会为了利益出卖自己的原则。
3. 历史上有骨气的文人，往往宁可穷困潦倒，也不肯向权贵折腰。

Guía de uso

Contexto: ethics, character, literature, history, social commentary

Tono: positive

Correcto

• 他面对无理压力没有退缩，这种骨气赢得了同事们的普遍敬重。(He did not back down in the face of unreasonable pressure — this kind of backbone earned him widespread respect from his colleagues.)
• 真正有骨气的人，不因贫穷而自卑，也不因富贵而忘本。(A person of true integrity is not made to feel inferior by poverty, nor do they forget their roots when they become wealthy.)

Incorrecto

• 将'骨气'与'脾气'混用 — 骨气 refers to moral backbone and dignified integrity; 脾气 refers to temperament or a bad temper; they are not interchangeable

Origen e historia

骨 (bone) + 气 (spirit; energy; qi). The compound suggests the vital energy or spirit residing within one's bones — symbolizing the innermost, unshakeable character of a person.

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal; especially valued in traditional educated circles