In 15 Seconds
- Expresses a strong, active effort to achieve a specific goal.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and personal commitment contexts.
- Shows you are proactive rather than just waiting for results.
Meaning
It means putting in your best effort to reach a goal or secure an opportunity. It is like saying 'I will try my hardest' but with a stronger sense of purpose and determination.
Key Examples
3 of 6Promising a deadline to a boss
我会争取在周五前完成报告。
I will strive to finish the report by Friday.
Texting a friend about dinner
我争取六点准时到餐厅。
I'll try my best to get to the restaurant by six.
Encouraging a teammate
我们要争取拿到第一名！
We must strive to get first place!
Cultural Background
The phrase is heavily associated with the 'Struggle Culture' of the mid-20th century, often appearing in propaganda to motivate workers and students. In Chinese business, saying you will {争取|zhēngqǔ} something is a way to show loyalty and hard work to your superiors without over-promising. Parents often tell children to {争取|zhēngqǔ} for the 'Three-Good Student' ({三好学生|sānhǎo xuéshēng}) award, a prestigious honor in Chinese schools. When receiving a compliment or a challenge, using {争取|zhēngqǔ} shows you are modest but still ambitious.
The 'Safe Promise'
Use {争取|zhēngqǔ} when you want to promise someone you'll try your best without giving a 100% guarantee. It sounds much more sincere than just 'I'll try.'
Modesty is Key
If someone praises you, say '{我|wǒ}{还要|háiyào}{继续|jìxù}{争取|zhēngqǔ}' to show you are still working hard and haven't become arrogant.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses a strong, active effort to achieve a specific goal.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and personal commitment contexts.
- Shows you are proactive rather than just waiting for results.
What It Means
争取 is your go-to word for active effort. It is not just wishing for something. It is about working to make it happen. Think of it as 'striving' or 'fighting for' a result. It implies there is a goal in sight. You are doing everything possible to reach it.
How To Use It
Using it is very simple. Put 争取 before a verb or a noun. For example, 争取时间 means 'fighting for more time.' If you say 争取早点到, you mean 'striving to arrive early.' It sounds proactive and positive. It shows you have a plan and the will to execute it.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show commitment. It works great at the office. Tell your boss you will 争取 finish the report by Friday. It also works with friends. Tell them you will 争取 make it to the party. It is perfect for personal goals too. Like striving to exercise every single day. It adds a layer of 'I am really trying' to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are guaranteed. If you are just walking to the fridge, do not say 争取. That sounds like you might fail to reach the milk. Avoid it for passive situations. It requires an active agent. Also, do not use it if you are being lazy. It implies a high level of sincere effort. Using it lightly can make you sound a bit insincere.
Cultural Background
In China, hard work is a core value. The word 争取 reflects this 'can-do' spirit. It became very popular in industrial and academic settings. It suggests that success is earned, not given. It carries a sense of collective or personal responsibility. It is the verbal equivalent of a firm handshake and a focused gaze.
Common Variations
Sometimes you will hear 力争. This is a bit more intense. It means 'striving with all your might.' You might also see 争取到. Adding 到 means you actually succeeded in getting what you wanted. For example, 争取到了一次机会 means you successfully secured an opportunity. It turns the effort into a completed achievement.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral-to-formal verb that fits perfectly in both business emails and casual texts. It always requires a target or a goal to follow it.
The 'Safe Promise'
Use {争取|zhēngqǔ} when you want to promise someone you'll try your best without giving a 100% guarantee. It sounds much more sincere than just 'I'll try.'
Modesty is Key
If someone praises you, say '{我|wǒ}{还要|háiyào}{继续|jìxù}{争取|zhēngqǔ}' to show you are still working hard and haven't become arrogant.
Examples
6我会争取在周五前完成报告。
I will strive to finish the report by Friday.
Shows professional initiative and a sense of responsibility.
我争取六点准时到餐厅。
I'll try my best to get to the restaurant by six.
Softens a commitment while showing you really want to be on time.
我们要争取拿到第一名！
We must strive to get first place!
Used as a motivational rally cry for a group.
别说话了，我们要争取时间。
Stop talking, we need to fight for every second.
Used when time is a limited resource you need to 'win' back.
我争取今天只吃一块蛋糕。
I'll strive to only eat one piece of cake today.
Funny because it treats a small indulgence like a major goal.
我一定要争取到这个出国留学的机会。
I must strive to secure this opportunity to study abroad.
Conveys high emotional stakes and determination.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural sentence for a job interview.
Which sentence shows you are proactive?
Option B uses {争取|zhēngqǔ}, which shows determination and initiative, making it perfect for an interview.
Fill in the blank to mean 'Strive for a speedy recovery.'
{祝|zhù}{你|nǐ}_____{早日|zǎorì}{康复|kāngfù}。
{争取|zhēngqǔ}{早日|zǎorì}{康复|kāngfù} is a standard set phrase for well-wishes.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are running late for a meeting with a friend.
A is a promise to arrive as soon as possible, which is a common use of {争取|zhēngqǔ}.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWhich sentence shows you are proactive?
Option B uses {争取|zhēngqǔ}, which shows determination and initiative, making it perfect for an interview.
{祝|zhù}{你|nǐ}_____{早日|zǎorì}{康复|kāngfù}。
{争取|zhēngqǔ}{早日|zǎorì}{康复|kāngfù} is a standard set phrase for well-wishes.
Situation: You are running late for a meeting with a friend.
A is a promise to arrive as soon as possible, which is a common use of {争取|zhēngqǔ}.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better to save it for things that actually require effort or have a goal-like quality.
{努力|nǔlì} is about the hard work itself (adverb/adjective), while {争取|zhēngqǔ} is about the act of trying to get a specific result (verb).
Related Phrases
{力争|lìzhēng}
similarTo strive with all one's might.
{尽力|jìnlì}
similarTo do one's best.
{放弃|fàngqì}
contrastTo give up.
{争取|zhēngqǔ}{主动|zhǔdòng}
specialized formTo take the initiative.
