追求卓越
zhuī qiú zhuó yuè
Pursue excellence
Literally: 追 (Pursue) 求 (Seek) 卓 (Outstanding) 越 (Surpassing)
In 15 Seconds
- A powerful phrase for high ambition and top-tier quality.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and self-improvement contexts.
- Translates to 'Pursuing Excellence' with a proactive, energetic tone.
Meaning
It is about more than just doing a good job; it is the mindset of constantly pushing yourself to reach the absolute peak of quality and performance.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
我一直以来都秉持着追求卓越的工作态度。
I have always maintained a work attitude of pursuing excellence.
Encouraging a teammate
我们要追求卓越，不能只满足于现状。
We need to pursue excellence and not just be satisfied with the status quo.
Complimenting a chef friend
看你做菜的样子，真是追求卓越啊！
Watching you cook, you really do pursue excellence!
Cultural Background
This phrase gained massive popularity during China's corporate boom in the 1990s and 2000s. It reflects a shift from simply 'surviving' to 'thriving' and competing on a global stage. It is often seen as the Chinese equivalent of the 'Continuous Improvement' (Kaizen) philosophy.
The Resume Power-Up
If you're writing a CV in Chinese, use this phrase in your 'Personal Summary' section. It's a 'green flag' for HR managers.
Don't be a Sarcastic Snob
Be careful using this when someone is failing. Saying 'Are you pursuing excellence?' to someone who just dropped their phone might come off as mean rather than funny.
In 15 Seconds
- A powerful phrase for high ambition and top-tier quality.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and self-improvement contexts.
- Translates to 'Pursuing Excellence' with a proactive, energetic tone.
What It Means
追求卓越 is your go-to phrase for high-level ambition. It means you aren't satisfied with 'just okay.' You want to be the best. It combines the drive to chase something (追求) with the result of being truly outstanding (卓越). Think of it as the difference between a home-cooked meal and a Michelin-star experience. It is a proactive, energetic term.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb phrase or a core value. You can say someone is 追求卓越的人 (a person who pursues excellence). It often appears in mission statements or personal mottos. In conversation, use it to describe a work ethic or a life philosophy. It sounds polished and inspiring. Don't worry about it being too stiff; it's very common in professional growth circles.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to impress a boss or a recruiter. It is perfect for LinkedIn bios or graduation speeches. You can also use it to compliment a friend's dedication to a craft. If your friend spends five hours plating a dessert, they are definitely 追求卓越. It fits perfectly in any environment where high standards are the goal.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for low-stakes, lazy activities. If you are trying to find the best way to nap, 追求卓越 sounds a bit too intense. It can feel sarcastic if used for something trivial. Don't use it when someone is clearly struggling and just needs to finish. In those cases, 'done is better than perfect' applies. This phrase is for the 'extra mile,' not the 'bare minimum.'
Cultural Background
Modern Chinese culture places a massive emphasis on self-improvement and national progress. This phrase became a buzzword during China's rapid economic rise. It reflects the 'Strive' (奋斗) culture seen in tech hubs like Shenzhen. It is deeply rooted in the Confucian idea of self-cultivation. Everyone from Olympic athletes to street food masters uses this to describe their journey.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more poetic, try 精益求精 (improving what is already excellent). For a more casual 'keep it up,' you might just say 加油. But when the goal is greatness, 追求卓越 remains the gold standard. You might also hear 力求完美 (striving for perfection), but 卓越 feels more sustainable and professional than 'perfection.'
Usage Notes
While formal, it is highly versatile in professional settings. It functions as a verb phrase. Avoid using it for mundane chores unless you are being intentionally hyperbolic.
The Resume Power-Up
If you're writing a CV in Chinese, use this phrase in your 'Personal Summary' section. It's a 'green flag' for HR managers.
Don't be a Sarcastic Snob
Be careful using this when someone is failing. Saying 'Are you pursuing excellence?' to someone who just dropped their phone might come off as mean rather than funny.
The 'Zhuoyue' Brand
You'll see the word `卓越` (Excellence) everywhere in China—from the names of shopping malls to high-end apartment complexes. It's a very prestigious word!
Examples
6我一直以来都秉持着追求卓越的工作态度。
I have always maintained a work attitude of pursuing excellence.
A classic way to show you are a high achiever.
我们要追求卓越，不能只满足于现状。
We need to pursue excellence and not just be satisfied with the status quo.
Used here to motivate a group toward higher goals.
看你做菜的样子，真是追求卓越啊！
Watching you cook, you really do pursue excellence!
A high-level compliment for someone's passion.
虽然只是个爱好，但我也要追求卓越。
Even though it's just a hobby, I still want to pursue excellence.
Shows dedication even in casual settings.
我在吃零食这方面，一向追求卓越。
When it comes to eating snacks, I've always pursued excellence.
Using a high-level phrase for something trivial creates humor.
愿我们在未来的道路上，永远追求卓越。
May we always pursue excellence on our future paths.
Very standard for formal, inspiring closing remarks.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the professional motto.
我们的公司文化是：不断创新，___。
In a company culture context, 'pursuing excellence' is the only logical fit among these choices.
Which word completes the phrase meaning 'to pursue'?
___求卓越
The standard four-character expression uses '追' (to chase/pursue).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Pursue Excellence'
Used jokingly with friends about minor things.
I pursue excellence in gaming.
Talking about personal goals or hobbies.
I want to be a better photographer.
Business meetings, speeches, and resumes.
Our mission is to pursue excellence.
Where to use 追求卓越
Job Interview
Describing your work ethic.
Sports Training
Aiming for the gold medal.
Artistic Craft
Perfecting a painting.
Corporate Slogan
Company mission statement.
Practice Bank
2 exercises我们的公司文化是：不断创新，___。
In a company culture context, 'pursuing excellence' is the only logical fit among these choices.
___求卓越
The standard four-character expression uses '追' (to chase/pursue).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is slightly formal, but not awkward. You can use it with friends if you are talking seriously about your passions or goals.
Yes, you can say 他是一个追求卓越的人. This means he is someone who strives for the best in everything.
追求卓越 is generally positive, while 完美主义 (perfectionism) can sometimes imply being too picky or slow.
Usually no. It's better for big-picture things like careers, arts, or long-term skills. Using it for washing dishes might sound like a joke.
Not really, but you can just use the adjective 卓越 to describe a result, like 卓越的成就 (outstanding achievement).
Yes, it is universally understood and used across all Mandarin-speaking regions in professional contexts.
It's rare. Unless you are saying you both want to 'pursue excellence' in your lives together, it sounds a bit too much like a business meeting.
Don't forget the 求. Some people just say 追求卓越, but occasionally beginners forget the structure and say 追卓越, which is incorrect.
Almost never. It is a purely aspirational and positive phrase about high standards.
You can say 向你学习 (I should learn from you) or 共同进步 (let's improve together).
Related Phrases
精益求精 (Constantly improving)
止于至善 (To rest in the highest excellence)
力求完美 (Strive for perfection)
出类拔萃 (Stand out from the crowd)
