In 15 Seconds
- To gather something bit by bit over a long period.
- Commonly used for money, experience, energy, or vacation days.
- Implies patience, discipline, and a positive long-term goal.
Meaning
It means to slowly collect or gather something over time until you have a lot of it. It is most often used for money, experience, or even good luck.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about buying a house
我积攒了五年的钱，终于可以买房了。
I saved up money for five years and can finally buy a house.
Discussing work experience
他在这个行业积攒了很多经验。
He has accumulated a lot of experience in this industry.
Texting a friend about a trip
我正在积攒假期，打算去西藏。
I'm saving up my vacation days; I plan to go to Tibet.
Cultural Background
Emphasis on long-term planning and family security. Similar focus on 'tameru' for future stability. Often associated with 'saving for a rainy day'. Saving is often tied to family and community support.
Think of a jar
Whenever you see 积攒, imagine a jar filling up with coins.
In 15 Seconds
- To gather something bit by bit over a long period.
- Commonly used for money, experience, energy, or vacation days.
- Implies patience, discipline, and a positive long-term goal.
What It Means
积攒 (jīzǎn) is all about the slow game. It describes the process of gathering things bit by bit. Think of a piggy bank filling up with coins. Or a traveler collecting stories from every city. It implies patience and a long-term mindset. You aren't getting rich quick here. You are building something substantial through steady effort.
How To Use It
You usually place the object right after the verb. You can 积攒 money (钱), strength (力量), or even vacation days (假期). It works great when talking about personal goals. Use it when you want to sound like you are working toward something big. It’s a very positive, proactive word. It shows you have discipline and a plan.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your savings for a new car. Use it when you've been working hard and finally have enough experience for a promotion. It’s perfect for heartfelt conversations about life progress. You can also use it when texting a friend about 'saving up' energy for a big weekend party. It fits perfectly in both professional reviews and casual coffee chats.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that happen instantly. You don't 积攒 a cup of coffee. You also shouldn't use it for negative things like trash or debt. For those, we use different words like 'accumulate' in a bad way. If you just bought something one-off, this isn't the word. It requires a history of effort. Don't use it for people; you can't 'save up' friends like coins!
Cultural Background
Chinese culture deeply values thriftiness and 'saving for a rainy day.' This word reflects the traditional virtue of 勤俭节约 (being hardworking and thrifty). In the past, this was about grain or seeds. Today, it's about digital red packets or credit card points. It carries a sense of respect for the process of growth. It’s the opposite of the 'spend it all now' mentality.
Common Variations
You might hear 积累 (jīlěi) which is similar but more formal. 积累 is often used for abstract knowledge. 积攒 feels a bit more 'tangible' and personal. In Northern China, people might add an 'r' sound at the end. But 积攒 is the standard version everyone understands. It’s a solid, reliable word that makes you sound like a responsible adult.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral-register word. It is more descriptive than the simple 'save' (攒) and suggests a sense of purpose or a specific goal being met through persistence.
Think of a jar
Whenever you see 积攒, imagine a jar filling up with coins.
Examples
6我积攒了五年的钱，终于可以买房了。
I saved up money for five years and can finally buy a house.
Shows a long-term financial commitment.
他在这个行业积攒了很多经验。
He has accumulated a lot of experience in this industry.
Used here for professional growth.
我正在积攒假期，打算去西藏。
I'm saving up my vacation days; I plan to go to Tibet.
Relatable use for modern office workers.
先休息一下，积攒点体力吧。
Rest a bit first and gather some strength.
Used for physical energy/stamina.
我这身肉可是积攒了好多年才有的。
I've been 'accumulating' this body fat for many years.
Using a positive word for a self-deprecating joke.
遇见你是我积攒了辈子的好运。
Meeting you is a lifetime's worth of good luck saved up.
Very romantic and emotional use.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
为了买房子，他一直在_____钱。
积攒 means to save up, which fits the context of buying a house.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises为了买房子，他一直在_____钱。
积攒 means to save up, which fits the context of buying a house.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is for resources, money, or abstract qualities.
Related Phrases
攒钱
synonymTo save money
积累
similarTo accumulate
