争气

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

Significado

Dar la talla; hacer quedar bien; no defraudar.

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.

Ejemplos

1. 父母含辛茹苦把你养大，你要争气，好好学习。
2. 他从小家境贫寒，但非常争气，最终考上了重点大学。
3. 这孩子太不争气了，整天只知道玩游戏。

Guía de uso

Contexto: family, education, personal development

Tono: encouraging

Correcto

• 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.)

Incorrecto

• 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

Origen e historia

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

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal