In 15 Seconds
- A phrase for pioneers and proactive go-getters.
- Combines 'opening new ground' with 'striving forward'.
- Best used in professional, motivational, or visionary contexts.
Meaning
This phrase describes the spirit of being a pioneer. It is about breaking new ground and proactively pushing forward to achieve success rather than just waiting for things to happen.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a recommendation letter
他是一个具有开拓进取精神的领导者。
He is a leader with a pioneering and enterprising spirit.
A CEO giving a New Year speech
新的一年,我们要继续开拓进取,创造佳绩。
In the new year, we must continue to blaze new trails and create great results.
Encouraging a friend starting a business
创业需要这种开拓进取的劲头,我看好你!
Starting a business needs this kind of pioneering drive; I believe in you!
Cultural Background
This expression gained massive traction during China's 'Reform and Opening-up' period starting in the late 1970s. It represents the transition from a planned economy to a competitive, innovative market. Today, it is a staple of 'Chineseness' in the professional world, embodying the drive that built cities like Shenzhen from fishing villages.
Resume Gold
If you are writing a CV in Chinese, use this phrase. It is a 'power word' that HR managers love to see.
Don't Overuse
Because it is quite formal, using it every five minutes in a casual chat will make you sound like a textbook or a politician.
In 15 Seconds
- A phrase for pioneers and proactive go-getters.
- Combines 'opening new ground' with 'striving forward'.
- Best used in professional, motivational, or visionary contexts.
What It Means
Think of 开拓进取 as the ultimate 'go-getter' vibe. It is not just about working hard. It is about being the person who clears the path. 开拓 means to open up new territory. 进取 means to have the initiative to move forward. Together, they describe someone with a pioneer spirit. They don't just follow the map; they draw a new one.
How To Use It
You usually use this as an adjective or a verb phrase. It often describes a person's character or a company's strategy. You can say someone has an 开拓进取 spirit. Or you can encourage your team to 开拓进取 in a new market. It sounds very positive and energetic. It is like telling someone, "Go out there and conquer!"
When To Use It
This is perfect for professional settings. Use it in a job interview to describe your work style. Use it in a graduation speech to inspire others. It also works when talking about tech startups or innovative artists. If someone is trying a bold new hobby, this phrase fits. It shows you admire their courage and drive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for relaxing situations. If you are lying on a beach, you aren't 开拓进取. It is also too heavy for small, routine tasks. You wouldn't use it for buying groceries or cleaning your room. Avoid using it if someone is being reckless. This phrase implies a purposeful, constructive kind of progress, not just chaos. Also, it might sound a bit too 'corporate' for a casual first date.
Cultural Background
This phrase became very popular during China's economic reform era. It captured the national mood of building something from nothing. It reflects a shift from traditional stability to modern innovation. In Chinese culture, being 'proactive' is highly valued in the modern workplace. It is the opposite of being 'lazy' or 'stagnant'. It is deeply tied to the idea of national and personal rejuvenation.
Common Variations
You might hear 勇于开拓 which means 'dare to blaze trails'. Another one is 锐意进取, which emphasizes a sharp, determined focus. Both carry the same 'boss move' energy. If you want to sound extra fancy, use 开拓创新. This adds the element of 'innovation' to the mix. It is the bread and butter of Chinese business slogans.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in written Chinese, speeches, and professional settings. In spoken conversation, it adds a layer of seriousness or high-level praise.
Resume Gold
If you are writing a CV in Chinese, use this phrase. It is a 'power word' that HR managers love to see.
Don't Overuse
Because it is quite formal, using it every five minutes in a casual chat will make you sound like a textbook or a politician.
The 'Shenzhen' Vibe
This phrase is the unofficial motto of Shenzhen. People there are famous for this 'speed and spirit'.
Examples
6他是一个具有开拓进取精神的领导者。
He is a leader with a pioneering and enterprising spirit.
Here it functions as an adjective to describe a person's character.
新的一年,我们要继续开拓进取,创造佳绩。
In the new year, we must continue to blaze new trails and create great results.
Used as a verb phrase to set a goal for the team.
创业需要这种开拓进取的劲头,我看好你!
Starting a business needs this kind of pioneering drive; I believe in you!
Using '劲头' (drive/energy) makes it feel slightly more supportive and personal.
咱们得开拓进取一点,别总用老办法。
We need to be a bit more proactive; let's not always use the old methods.
A slightly more casual way to suggest innovation.
你在找对象这件事上真是开拓进取啊!
You are certainly 'blazing new trails' in your search for a partner!
Using a formal 'business' phrase for a personal matter creates a funny contrast.
希望你们在学术道路上勇于开拓进取。
I hope you all dare to blaze new trails on your academic paths.
Adds '勇于' (dare to) to emphasize courage.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe a company that is always innovating.
这家公司始终保持着___的精神,不断推出新产品。
开拓进取 (pioneering) fits the context of 'constantly launching new products'.
How would you encourage your team to be more proactive?
面对挑战,我们应该___,而不是坐以待毙。
开拓进取 is the positive action needed to face challenges, unlike 'hesitating' or 'giving up'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 开拓进取
Rarely used unless joking with close friends.
You're so 'pioneering' today!
Used in career discussions or planning.
We need to be more proactive.
Standard in speeches, resumes, and news.
The company's pioneering spirit...
Common in government documents and official slogans.
Strive to open new frontiers for the nation.
Where to use 开拓进取
Job Interview
Describing your strengths.
Business Meeting
Discussing market expansion.
Graduation
Inspiring the next generation.
Self-Improvement
Setting ambitious life goals.
Practice Bank
2 exercises这家公司始终保持着___的精神,不断推出新产品。
开拓进取 (pioneering) fits the context of 'constantly launching new products'.
面对挑战,我们应该___,而不是坐以待毙。
开拓进取 is the positive action needed to face challenges, unlike 'hesitating' or 'giving up'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to open up or develop, like 开拓市场 (opening up a market) or 开拓视野 (broadening one's horizons).
It means to be enterprising or to show initiative. Someone with 进取心 is someone who wants to get ahead in life.
Yes, it is quite formal. You wouldn't use it to describe choosing a new flavor of ice cream, but you would use it for a career move.
Absolutely! A student who takes on extra projects or starts a club is very 开拓进取.
The opposite would be 墨守成规 (sticking to old ways) or 安于现状 (being content with the status quo).
Yes, if a team is using a bold new strategy to win, you can say they are 开拓进取.
It is a four-character set phrase, though some might classify it more as a compound vocabulary term. It functions like a Chengyu.
You say 开拓进取精神 (kāituò jìnqǔ jīngshén).
Not really. It is almost exclusively positive. If someone is too aggressive, you'd use a different word like 咄咄逼人.
Only as a joke! Telling your partner they are 开拓进取 in the relationship sounds like a performance review.
Related Phrases
勇往直前 (March forward fearlessly)
推陈出新 (Weed out the old to bring forth the new)
自强不息 (Constantly strive for self-improvement)
力争上游 (Strive for the best)