一鼓作气(一鼓作氣)
一鼓作气 (yī gǔ zuò qì) literally means “one drum make spirit”and expresses “complete in one effort”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving success & perseverance.
Also searched as: yi gu zuo qi, yi gu zuo qi,一鼓作气 meaning, 一鼓作气 in english
Pronunciation: yī gǔ zuò qì Literal meaning: One drum make spirit
Origin & Usage
Derived from the ancient military treatise 'Guan Zi', this idiom describes how soldiers' spirits (气) rise highest at the first drum (一鼓) beat before battle. The text observes that morale diminishes with each subsequent drumbeat, making the initial surge of energy crucial. During the Warring States period, military commanders used this understanding of psychological momentum to time their attacks. The drum's significance in ancient Chinese warfare adds depth to the metaphor - it was not just a signal but a tool for maintaining troop coordination and morale. Today, it emphasizes the importance of seizing initial momentum in any challenging endeavor.
When to Use
Situation: She wrote the entire proposal in one focused session
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一鼓作气 mean in English?
一鼓作气 (yī gǔ zuò qì) literally translates to “One drum make spirit”and is used to express “Complete in one effort”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theSuccess & Perseverance category..
When is 一鼓作气 used?
Situation: She wrote the entire proposal in one focused session
What is the pinyin for 一鼓作气?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一鼓作气 is “yī gǔ zuò qì”.