In 15 Seconds
- Expresses absolute determination to finish a task.
- Means 'I won't stop until I succeed.'
- Used for serious goals or humorous obsession.
Meaning
This phrase describes a state of absolute determination where you refuse to stop or give up until you have achieved your specific goal.
Key Examples
3 of 6Studying for a major exam
这次考试不拿高分，我誓不罢休。
If I don't get a high score this time, I won't rest.
A boss motivating a team
不完成这个项目，我们誓不罢休！
We won't stop until this project is finished!
Texting a friend about a video game level
今晚不过这一关，我誓不罢休。
I'm not stopping until I beat this level tonight.
Cultural Background
This idiom draws from the traditional Chinese value of 'steadfastness' (恒心). It is often associated with historical figures who overcame impossible odds through sheer willpower. In modern times, it is frequently used in sports and business to signal a competitive, 'never-say-die' attitude.
The 'Goal' Prefix
Always mention the goal before the phrase. It sounds much more natural if you say 'If [Goal] isn't met, I won't rest.'
Don't Overuse
If you use it for everything, you'll sound like a drama queen. Save it for things that actually require effort.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses absolute determination to finish a task.
- Means 'I won't stop until I succeed.'
- Used for serious goals or humorous obsession.
What It Means
Think of 誓不罢休 as your 'all-in' button. It describes a person who is so driven they won't quit. It's not just about trying hard. It's about a solemn promise to yourself. You are either going to succeed or you'll keep trying forever. It carries a heavy sense of resolve and grit.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the end of a sentence. It follows the goal you are chasing. It often pairs with the word 不达目的 (not reaching the goal). For example: 不达目的，誓不罢休. It sounds punchy and very firm. Use it when you want to show you're serious.
When To Use It
Use it for big life milestones. Maybe you are studying for a difficult exam. Or perhaps you are trying to fix a bug in your code. It works great in motivational speeches. You can also use it when teasing a friend. If they are obsessed with finding the best spicy noodles, this is the phrase. It adds a layer of 'epic' energy to the task.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial, lazy things. If you're just deciding what to watch on Netflix, it's too much. It can sound aggressive if used in a heated argument. Avoid it if you want to seem flexible or easy-going. It is the opposite of 'going with the flow.' Also, don't use it if you aren't actually going to finish the task!
Cultural Background
Chinese culture deeply values the concept of 'perseverance' or 坚持. This phrase reflects that ancient warrior spirit. It’s the kind of thing heroes in martial arts novels say. It implies that giving up is a loss of face. It shows you have a 'back against the wall' mentality. It’s about honor as much as it is about the result.
Common Variations
You might hear 决不罢休 which means 'definitely won't stop.' There is also 誓不甘休, which adds a feeling of 'not being satisfied' until finished. People often shorten it in casual talk to just 不罢休. But for the full dramatic effect, stick with the four-character version. It makes you sound like the main character of your own movie.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal but very flexible. It is most effective when preceded by a specific condition or goal. Avoid using it for things that are completely out of your control.
The 'Goal' Prefix
Always mention the goal before the phrase. It sounds much more natural if you say 'If [Goal] isn't met, I won't rest.'
Don't Overuse
If you use it for everything, you'll sound like a drama queen. Save it for things that actually require effort.
The Martial Arts Connection
This phrase is a staple in Wuxia (martial arts) movies. Using it can give you a cool, 'warrior' vibe in the right context.
Examples
6这次考试不拿高分，我誓不罢休。
If I don't get a high score this time, I won't rest.
Shows high personal stakes and determination.
不完成这个项目，我们誓不罢休！
We won't stop until this project is finished!
Used as a rallying cry for a group.
今晚不过这一关，我誓不罢休。
I'm not stopping until I beat this level tonight.
Hyperbolic and casual use among friends.
不抓住凶手，我誓不罢休。
I won't rest until I catch the killer.
Classic dramatic usage found in media.
找不到那只袜子，他誓不罢休。
He won't stop until he finds that one sock.
Using a grand phrase for a tiny problem creates humor.
不减掉十斤，我誓不罢休。
I won't stop until I lose ten pounds.
Expressing a personal health resolution.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a determined student.
他学习非常刻苦，不考上清华___。
`誓不罢休` fits the context of working hard to reach a difficult goal like getting into a top university.
Which phrase expresses a 'never give up' attitude in a business meeting?
面对困难，我们要有___的精神。
`誓不罢休` describes the spirit of persistence needed to overcome difficulties.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality and Intensity Spectrum
Used for jokes or small personal goals.
Finding a lost pen.
Standard use for work or study goals.
Finishing a report.
Dramatic or official declarations.
A legal battle or justice.
Where to use 誓不罢休
Gym/Fitness
Hitting a weight goal
Office
Fixing a tech bug
Gaming
Beating a hard boss
Justice
Solving a mystery
Practice Bank
2 exercises他学习非常刻苦，不考上清华___。
`誓不罢休` fits the context of working hard to reach a difficult goal like getting into a top university.
面对困难，我们要有___的精神。
`誓不罢休` describes the spirit of persistence needed to overcome difficulties.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it sounds serious, people use it jokingly all the time to describe being stubborn about small things like 找不到钥匙誓不罢休 (won't rest until the keys are found).
Yes, you can use it to describe a very determined person, like 他这个人一旦下定决心，就誓不罢休 (Once he decides, he won't rest until it's done).
坚持到底 means to persevere to the end, which is positive. 誓不罢休 is more intense and can sometimes imply a bit of obsession or stubbornness.
Yes, if you are emphasizing commitment to a client or a project deadline. It shows you are very reliable.
Usually it's positive or neutral. However, if someone is pursuing a 'revenge' goal, it can sound a bit scary or relentless.
Absolutely. It's perfect for saying you won't stop practicing a song or a dance move until it's perfect.
罢休 means to give up or let something go. Adding 誓不 (vow not to) creates the strong negation.
In very casual speech, you might just say 不罢休, but the four-character version is much more common and rhythmic.
Yes! You can say 吃不到这家火锅，我誓不罢休 (I won't rest until I eat this hotpot). It's a fun way to show you're a foodie.
It is pronounced 'shì bù bà xiū'. Make sure to hit the fourth tone on the first three characters for maximum impact.
Related Phrases
坚持不懈
Unremitting perseverance
锲而不舍
To chip away at something without stopping
不达目的，绝不罢休
Won't stop until the goal is reached
死磕
To fight to the bitter end (slang)
