In 15 Seconds
- Relentless persistence until a goal is fully achieved.
- Comes from the image of carving stone without stopping.
- Used to praise someone's grit and long-term dedication.
Meaning
It describes the spirit of never giving up, even when things get tough. Think of it as having the grit to keep carving away at a stone until it becomes a masterpiece.
Key Examples
3 of 6Praising a colleague's research
凭着锲而不舍的精神，他终于攻克了技术难关。
With a spirit of perseverance, he finally overcame the technical difficulties.
Encouraging a friend learning a difficult skill
只要你锲而不舍地练习，一定能学好钢琴。
As long as you practice with perseverance, you will definitely master the piano.
Formal speech at a graduation
在学术研究上，我们需要这种锲而不舍的态度。
In academic research, we need this kind of unyielding attitude.
Cultural Background
Rooted in Confucianism.
Use it in writing
It makes your essays look professional.
In 15 Seconds
- Relentless persistence until a goal is fully achieved.
- Comes from the image of carving stone without stopping.
- Used to praise someone's grit and long-term dedication.
What It Means
锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě) is all about relentless persistence. The first word 锲 means to carve or engrave. The last word 舍 means to stop or give up. Put it together and you get the image of someone carving a hard surface. They don't stop until the work is done. It is the ultimate compliment for someone with 'grit.' It is more than just 'trying hard.' It is about staying the course over a long period.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase as an adjective or an adverb. You can say someone has a 锲而不舍 spirit. You can also say they are working on a project 锲而不舍. It often follows the subject of the sentence. For example: 'He studied Chinese 锲而不舍 for ten years.' It sounds very polished and sophisticated. It shows you really admire the person's dedication.
When To Use It
Use it when someone achieves something through sheer willpower. It is perfect for graduation speeches or performance reviews. Use it when a friend finally finishes a marathon. It is great for describing scientists or artists. If your toddler finally learns to tie their shoes after 50 tries, you can use it too! It adds a touch of dignity to the struggle.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, easy tasks. If you spent five minutes looking for your keys, that is not 锲而不舍. Avoid using it for negative persistence. If someone is stalking an ex-partner, do not use this phrase! That would be creepy, not admirable. It is strictly for positive, constructive goals. Also, keep it out of super casual slang-heavy chats with teens. It might sound a bit too 'academic' for a gaming lobby.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the ancient philosopher Xunzi. He lived over 2,000 years ago. He used the analogy of carving metal and stone. He said even a weak horse can go far if it keeps moving. But even a strong person fails if they stop carving. It reflects the deep Chinese value of 'Kǔ' (hardship). Success isn't about luck; it is about how much 'bitterness' you can eat.
Common Variations
You might hear 持之以恒 (chí zhī yǐ héng). That also means perseverance. However, 锲而不舍 feels more 'artistic' and intense. Another one is 坚持不懈 (jiān chí bù xiè). That is very common in daily speech. 锲而不舍 is the 'premium' version of these expressions. Use it when you want to sound like a true scholar.
Usage Notes
This is a formal 'Chengyu' (four-character idiom). While it is common in writing and speeches, using it in conversation signals that you have a high level of Chinese and a deep appreciation for the culture.
Use it in writing
It makes your essays look professional.
Examples
6凭着锲而不舍的精神，他终于攻克了技术难关。
With a spirit of perseverance, he finally overcame the technical difficulties.
Here it acts as an adjective describing his 'spirit'.
只要你锲而不舍地练习，一定能学好钢琴。
As long as you practice with perseverance, you will definitely master the piano.
Used as an adverb to describe the action of practicing.
在学术研究上，我们需要这种锲而不舍的态度。
In academic research, we need this kind of unyielding attitude.
Very standard use in a formal, inspirational setting.
看你每天健身，这种锲而不舍的精神真让我佩服！
Seeing you hit the gym every day, I really admire your persistence!
Adds a slightly respectful, impressed tone to a casual chat.
你对他真是锲而不舍啊，追了三年还没放弃？
You are truly relentless with him; three years and you still haven't given up?
Using a formal idiom for a personal crush adds a funny, dramatic effect.
正是因为您的锲而不舍，才有了我的今天。
It is precisely because of your persistence that I am where I am today.
Expresses deep gratitude and recognizes the mentor's effort.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
面对困难，我们要____。
It is the only logical choice for overcoming difficulty.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Persistence
Keep going / Don't stop
别放弃 (Bié fàngqì)
To persist/insist
坚持 (Jiānchí)
Unyielding perseverance
锲而不舍 (Qiè ér bù shě)
Where to use 锲而不舍
Academic Success
Writing a thesis for years
Personal Fitness
Training for a marathon
Professional Mastery
Perfecting a craft/skill
Social Causes
Fighting for a change
Practice Bank
1 exercises面对困难，我们要____。
It is the only logical choice for overcoming difficulty.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt might sound a bit too formal.
Related Phrases
持之以恒
synonymPersevere
