坚持不懈

Pronunciation: jiān chí bù xiè Literal meaning: Persist without slackening

Origin & Usage

The idiom 坚持不懈 (jiān chí bù xiè) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a steadfast and unwavering attitude. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuous effort without any slackening. The phrase is composed of four characters: 坚 (jiān), meaning 'firm' or 'strong'; 持 (chí), meaning 'to hold' or 'to persist'; 不 (bù), meaning 'not'; and 懈 (xiè), meaning 'slack' or 'lax'. Together, they convey the idea of maintaining a firm hold without becoming lax. This idiom is often used to encourage persistence in the face of challenges, suggesting that success is achieved through relentless effort and dedication. In modern contexts, it is frequently applied to various fields, such as education, work, and personal development, to inspire individuals to keep striving toward their goals.

Examples

English: "His relentless pursuit of knowledge exemplifies the spirit of never giving up."

Chinese: 他对知识的追求体现了坚持不懈的精神。