自力更生
自力更生 (zì lì gēng shēng) literally means “self-strength regenerate life” and expresses “self-reliance without external dependence”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: zi li geng sheng, zi li geng sheng,自力更生 meaning, 自力更生 in english
Self-reliance without external dependence
Pronunciation: zì lì gēng shēng Literal meaning: Self-strength regenerate life
Origin & Usage
Buddhist concepts of spiritual self-regeneration took on powerful new meaning during China's early 20th century struggle for independence. This idea of using one's own strength (自力) to create renewed life (更生) became a national motto during the 1960s-70s when self-sufficiency was paramount. The phrase perfectly captured the determination to develop internal capabilities rather than rely on external support. Today it resonates from national policy to personal development, describing the creation of independent capabilities through internal resources.
Examples
English: "After the economic embargo, the nation developed independent industrial capacity"
Chinese: 经济禁运后，这个国家发展了独立的工业能力
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
一鸣惊人
yī míng jīng rén
Sudden, remarkable success
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百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
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水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
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门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
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天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qín
Heaven rewards diligence
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破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
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守时如金
shǒu shí rú jīn
Value time preciously
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青出于蓝
qīng chū yú lán
Student surpasses master
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 自力更生 mean in English?
自力更生 (zì lì gēng shēng) literally translates to “Self-strength regenerate life” and is used to express “Self-reliance without external dependence”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 自力更生 used?
Situation: After the economic embargo, the nation developed independent industrial capacity
What is the pinyin for 自力更生?
The pinyin pronunciation for 自力更生 is “zì lì gēng shēng”.