奋发图强

Pronunciation: fèn fā tú qiáng Literal meaning: Strive for strength

Origin & Usage

This is a modern phrase in classical dress. Rouse oneself (奋发) and work toward strength (图强) reads like something out of the classics, but it belongs to the late Qing and after, when Chinese writers were arguing about how a weakened country recovers itself. That history still colours it. The phrase sits more naturally on nations, institutions and whole generations than on individuals, and it carries a note of catching up rather than simply doing well — used of a person, it tends to imply they are starting from behind.

Examples

English: "His determination to improve his skills reflects the spirit of striving for strength."

Chinese: 他对提升技能的决心体现了奋发图强的精神。