In 15 Seconds
- Literally means pumping air into a tire.
- Used to mean encouraging or motivating someone.
- Commonly used with 'gěi' (give) to support others.
Meaning
Think of this as 'pumping someone up.' It literally means to pump air into a tire, but we use it to mean giving someone a pep talk or a boost of confidence.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend before a test
别担心，我们都会为你打气的！
Don't worry, we are all cheering for you!
A manager motivating the team
经理在会议上给大家打气。
The manager gave everyone a pep talk during the meeting.
Texting a partner who is tired
亲爱的，加油！给你打气！
Hang in there, honey! Pumping you up!
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from the literal act of using a manual pump for bicycle tires, which were the primary mode of transport in 20th-century China. It evolved into a metaphor for emotional support, emphasizing that motivation is an external 'fuel' we can provide to others.
The 'AAB' Trick
Saying `打打气` (dǎ dǎ qì) instead of just `打气` makes you sound much more native and friendly. It softens the tone!
Don't confuse with 生气
Both have `气` (air/gas), but `生气` (shēngqì) means to get angry. Don't tell your boss you want to 'shēngqì' for them!
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means pumping air into a tire.
- Used to mean encouraging or motivating someone.
- Commonly used with 'gěi' (give) to support others.
What It Means
打气 is one of those perfect metaphors. Imagine a flat bicycle tire. It can't go anywhere, right? When you give someone a pep talk, you are the pump. You are filling them with the 'air' they need to move forward. It means to encourage, cheer on, or motivate someone who is feeling low or facing a challenge.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb. You can 给 (gěi - give) someone 打气. For example, 'I need to give my friend some encouragement' becomes 我要给朋友打气. It’s simple, punchy, and very common in daily life. You’ll hear it in sports, offices, and schools.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend has a big job interview. Use it when your sibling is tired of studying. It’s perfect for those moments when someone is about to 'deflate.' You can even use it for yourself! If you’re nervous before a date, tell yourself to 加油 and 打气. It’s great for texting too—just send a pump emoji!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for very solemn or tragic situations. If someone is grieving a major loss, 打气 might feel a bit too 'high-energy' or light. It’s about motivation, not deep mourning. Also, avoid using it in extremely formal legal documents. It’s a warm, social expression, not a cold, technical one.
Cultural Background
In China, collective support is huge. Whether it's the 'Gaokao' (college entrance exam) or a company sales goal, people love to cheer in groups. The phrase reflects a belief that energy (气) is something we can share. By 'pumping air,' you are literally transferring your positive energy to help someone else succeed.
Common Variations
The most famous cousin is 加油 (jiāyóu), which means 'add oil.' While 加油 is a shout of 'Go go go!', 打气 is more about the act of providing that support. You might also hear 鼓气 (gǔqì), which is similar but feels a bit more like 'puffing up' one's courage.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. In a literal sense, it's used for tires and balls. In a figurative sense, it's a warm, neutral-to-informal way to offer emotional support. Always remember the structure: 'A gěi B dǎqì'.
The 'AAB' Trick
Saying `打打气` (dǎ dǎ qì) instead of just `打气` makes you sound much more native and friendly. It softens the tone!
Don't confuse with 生气
Both have `气` (air/gas), but `生气` (shēngqì) means to get angry. Don't tell your boss you want to 'shēngqì' for them!
The Bicycle Kingdom
Because China was once the 'Bicycle Kingdom,' many idioms involve bike parts. This phrase is a living fossil of that era.
Examples
6别担心，我们都会为你打气的！
Don't worry, we are all cheering for you!
Shows group support using the phrase.
经理在会议上给大家打气。
The manager gave everyone a pep talk during the meeting.
Professional but encouraging context.
亲爱的，加油！给你打气！
Hang in there, honey! Pumping you up!
Informal and sweet usage.
我今天心情不好，快给我打打气。
I'm in a bad mood today, come on, give me some encouragement.
Using the 'AAB' pattern (打打气) makes it sound softer.
我的自行车没气了，得打气。
My bike tire is flat; I need to pump it up.
The literal meaning is still very common.
你别再给他打气了，他已经够自大了！
Stop pumping him up; he's already arrogant enough!
Humorous use suggesting over-inflation of ego.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'Tomorrow is the exam, I want to ___ my brother.'
明天考试，我想给弟弟___。
`打气` means to encourage, while `生气` means to get angry and `天气` means weather.
Which particle is usually used before the person being encouraged?
老师___学生们打气。
We use `给` (gěi) to indicate the recipient of the encouragement.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Dǎ Qì'
Too common for pure slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
给你打气！
Standard use in offices/schools.
经理给员工打气。
Might use 'guwǔ' instead.
鼓舞人心
Where to use 打气
Sports Match
Cheering from the sidelines
Office
Before a big presentation
Bicycle Shop
Literally pumping a tire
Exam Season
Supporting a stressed student
Practice Bank
2 exercises明天考试，我想给弟弟___。
`打气` means to encourage, while `生气` means to get angry and `天气` means weather.
老师___学生们打气。
We use `给` (gěi) to indicate the recipient of the encouragement.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are very close! 加油 is usually a shout or an exclamation like 'Go!', while 打气 describes the act of giving support or a pep talk.
Yes! You can say 我要给自己打打气 (I need to give myself a pep talk) before doing something scary.
Absolutely. It's very common for bosses to 给员工打气 (encourage employees) during busy seasons.
It's the exact same phrase! 给车胎打气 (gěi chētāi dǎqì) means to literally pump air into tires.
Not at all. It's a standard, neutral expression used by adults and children alike.
A common opposite is 泄气 (xièqì), which means to lose heart or feel discouraged (literally 'leaking air').
Yes, it's very sweet to tell a partner 我会一直为你打气 (I will always be cheering for you).
Yes, in formal speeches, you might use 鼓励 (gǔlì) or 鼓舞 (gǔwǔ).
Yes, fans 为球队打气 (cheer for the team) all the time.
Not necessarily. It just implies they need a boost of energy or confidence to reach a goal.
