In 15 Seconds
- A direct way to encourage someone to keep trying.
- Combines 'don't' (不要) with 'give up' (放弃).
- Works in both personal and professional supportive contexts.
Meaning
This is a powerful way to tell someone to keep going and not give up on their dreams or tasks. It is the ultimate verbal 'pat on the back' when things get tough.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend studying for the HSK exam
考试很难，但是请不要放弃。
The exam is hard, but please don't give up.
A coach talking to an athlete after a loss
下一次你会赢的，不要放弃！
You will win next time, don't give up!
Texting a colleague about a difficult project
这个项目很有挑战，我们不要放弃。
This project is challenging, let's not give up.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Chiku' (eating bitterness) is central to Chinese resilience. This phrase embodies that spirit by encouraging others to endure hardship for a future reward. It became even more popular through modern 'C-Dramas' and motivational social media trends.
Pair it with 加油
For maximum impact, say `加油，不要放弃！` It sounds much more natural and enthusiastic than saying either alone.
Don't use it for small choices
If your friend is deciding between tea or coffee, saying `不要放弃` sounds like you're in a melodrama. Keep it for real struggles!
In 15 Seconds
- A direct way to encourage someone to keep trying.
- Combines 'don't' (不要) with 'give up' (放弃).
- Works in both personal and professional supportive contexts.
What It Means
不要放弃 is your go-to phrase for encouragement. It literally translates to 'don't abandon.' It is used when someone is facing a challenge. It tells them to keep their chin up. It is simple, direct, and very emotional. Think of it as the Chinese version of 'Keep fighting!'
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Just look your friend in the eye and say it. You can also add it to the end of a supportive speech. It works well with the word 加油 (jiāyóu). For example, 加油，不要放弃！ (Go for it, don't give up!). It is very versatile for any struggle.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is studying for a hard exam. Use it when a colleague is frustrated with a project. It is great for sports or fitness goals. If someone is learning Chinese and feels stuck, tell them this! It shows you believe in their strength. It is a very warm thing to say.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial things. If someone is deciding whether to eat a second cookie, it's too dramatic. Avoid using it if someone should actually quit something harmful. It can sound a bit 'cliché' in very casual, joking settings. Use it when the effort actually matters. Don't use it if you are being sarcastic.
Cultural Background
Persistence is a huge value in Chinese culture. There are many ancient idioms about hard work. One famous one is 坚持到底 (persist until the end). 不要放弃 is the modern, conversational version of this deep-rooted value. It reflects the spirit of resilience found in Chinese history. It is often seen in motivational posters and pop songs.
Common Variations
You might hear 别放弃 (bié fàngqì). This is just a shorter, more casual version. 千万不要放弃 (qiānwàn bùyào fàngqì) means 'Whatever you do, don't give up.' If you want to be more formal, use 永不言弃 (yǒng bù yán qì). That one sounds like a movie title! Stick to the basic version for daily life.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe to use in almost any context where encouragement is needed. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it perfect for both your boss and your best friend.
Pair it with 加油
For maximum impact, say `加油，不要放弃！` It sounds much more natural and enthusiastic than saying either alone.
Don't use it for small choices
If your friend is deciding between tea or coffee, saying `不要放弃` sounds like you're in a melodrama. Keep it for real struggles!
The power of 'Bié'
In fast speech, `不要` (bùyào) often sounds like `别` (bié). If you want to sound like a local in a hurry, just say `别放弃`!
Examples
6考试很难，但是请不要放弃。
The exam is hard, but please don't give up.
Adding 'please' (请) makes it sound more sincere and gentle.
下一次你会赢的，不要放弃！
You will win next time, don't give up!
Used here to build resilience after a failure.
这个项目很有挑战，我们不要放弃。
This project is challenging, let's not give up.
Using 'we' (我们) creates a sense of teamwork.
只剩一口了，不要放弃啊！
Only one bite left, don't give up now!
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
宝贝，再试一次，不要放弃。
Baby, try one more time, don't give up.
Very warm and nurturing context.
无论遇到什么困难，都请不要放弃梦想。
No matter what difficulties you face, please do not give up on your dreams.
Standard inspirational usage in a formal setting.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the encouragement.
虽然学习中文很难，但你千万___放弃。
`不要` (don't) is the standard negation used for commands or advice like 'don't give up'.
Which verb completes the phrase 'Don't give up'?
不要___。
`放弃` means to give up or abandon, completing the set phrase.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Don't Give Up'
Short and quick for friends.
别放弃！ (Bié fàngqì!)
Standard way to say it to anyone.
不要放弃。 (Bùyào fàngqì.)
Used in speeches or writing.
永不言弃。 (Yǒng bù yán qì.)
When to use 不要放弃
Sports Match
When the score is down.
Language Learning
When grammar gets confusing.
Job Hunting
After a rejected application.
Dieting
When craving a burger.
Practice Bank
2 exercises虽然学习中文很难，但你千万___放弃。
`不要` (don't) is the standard negation used for commands or advice like 'don't give up'.
不要___。
`放弃` means to give up or abandon, completing the set phrase.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsNot at all! It is neutral. However, using 别放弃 (Bié fàngqì) is slightly more common in very casual spoken Chinese.
Yes, if you are encouraging a team. You might say 大家不要放弃 (Everyone, don't give up) to boost morale during a tough project.
加油 is like 'Go go go!' or 'Good luck.' 不要放弃 is more specific—it means 'Don't stop what you are doing even though it's hard.'
You can say 永远不要放弃 (Yǒngyuǎn bùyào fàngqì). The word 永远 adds the 'never' or 'forever' emphasis.
Yes, 放弃 usually implies giving up on something good or necessary. Using it with 不要 turns it into a positive piece of advice.
It's possible, but sounds very dramatic. You might say 不要放弃这段感情 (Don't give up on this relationship).
You can add 千万 (qiānwàn), making it 千万不要放弃. This translates to 'Whatever you do, absolutely do not give up.'
Not exactly slang, but young people might use the English 'Never give up' or the meme-related 挺住 (tǐngzhù), which means 'hold on/endure'.
Yes! You can say 我不能放弃 (Wǒ bùnéng fàngqì), which means 'I cannot give up.'
It can, depending on your tone. If you say it softly, it's a suggestion. If you shout it, it's a command.
The opposite would be 放弃吧 (Fàngqì ba), which means 'Just give up' or 'Let it go.'
Related Phrases
加油
Go for it / Keep going.
坚持下去
Keep persisting / Hold on.
别灰心
Don't lose heart.
挺住
Hang in there / Endure.
