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B2 adjective 7 min read

执着

zhí zhuó
Examples Notes & Tips 执着 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 执着 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '执着' yet, but you can understand it as a very strong 'like' or 'don't want to stop.' Imagine a child who really, really wants a toy and keeps asking for it. That feeling of not giving up is what '执着' is about. In simple Chinese, you might say '他非常喜欢' (He likes it very much) or '他不放弃' (He doesn't give up). '执着' is a more grown-up way to say someone is working very hard because they love something. Even though it is a B2 word, knowing it now helps you see how Chinese people talk about passion and hard work. Just remember: it's like a 'super power' of staying focused on one thing.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe people's personalities. '执着' (zhízhuó) is a great word to add to your vocabulary to describe someone who is very serious about their hobbies or goals. For example, if your friend practices Chinese every single day for two hours, you can say '他学习汉语很执着' (He is very persistent in learning Chinese). At this level, you can use the structure 'Subject + 很 + 执着.' It's a bit like '认真' (conscientious) but much stronger. It means the person won't stop until they reach their goal. It is usually a compliment, like saying someone is very dedicated.
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By B1, you should begin to use '执着' in more varied contexts, especially when talking about dreams and careers. You will notice it appearing in news articles or social media posts about successful people. A common way to use it is '执着于...' (to be persistent in/about...). For example, '他执着于自己的梦想' (He is persistent about his dream). You should also start to distinguish it from '坚持' (jiānchí). While '坚持' is an action (like 'keep doing'), '执着' is the attitude behind the action. If you have a '执着' attitude, you will '坚持' your work. This level is about moving from simple descriptions to expressing deeper character traits and motivations.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of '执着.' You should know that while it is often positive (meaning 'tenacious' or 'dedicated'), it can sometimes be neutral or even slightly negative (meaning 'obsessive' or 'fixated'). For instance, '过于执着' (overly persistent) might mean someone is being too stubborn. You should also be able to use it as an adverb: '执着地追求' (to pursue persistently). At this stage, you should be comfortable using '执着' in workplace discussions, academic essays, and deep conversations about life goals. You should also recognize its synonymous relationship with '锲而不舍' in formal writing.
At the C1 level, you should explore the philosophical and literary roots of '执着.' Originally a Buddhist term referring to 'attachment' to the material world (which leads to suffering), the word carries a weight of 'deep-seated focus.' In literary Chinese, you might see the older form '执著.' You should be able to use the word to discuss complex psychological states, such as a character's '执念' (obsession/fixation). You can use it to critique social phenomena, such as people being '执着于名利' (obsessed with fame and wealth). Your usage should reflect an understanding of how the word bridges the gap between 'admirable dedication' and 'limiting attachment.'
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At the C2 level, '执着' becomes a tool for sophisticated rhetorical expression. You can use it in classical-style prose or high-level cultural analysis. You might discuss the '执着' of a historical figure as both their greatest strength and their tragic flaw. You should be able to manipulate the word in various grammatical structures effortlessly—as a noun, a stative verb, or part of complex idioms. You should also understand its use in modern poetry and philosophy, where it might represent the human condition of searching for meaning in a chaotic world. At this level, your use of '执着' should feel natural, precise, and culturally grounded, reflecting a deep grasp of Chinese intellectual history.
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Examples Notes & Tips

执着 in 30 Seconds

  • 执着 (zhízhuó) means persistent or tenacious, often used to describe someone's unwavering commitment to their dreams or beliefs.
  • It has positive connotations of dedication but can imply negative obsession if someone is 'too' persistent about the wrong things.
  • Grammatically, it functions as an adjective (很执着), an adverb (执着地), or a noun (这种执着).
  • It originates from Buddhist concepts of attachment but is now a common motivational and professional term in modern Chinese.

The Chinese word 执着 (zhízhuó) is a multifaceted adjective and noun that primarily translates to 'persistent,' 'tenacious,' or 'dedicated.' At its core, it describes a state of mind where an individual remains deeply committed to a belief, a goal, or a person, often despite significant obstacles or the passage of time. While in English, words like 'stubborn' can carry a negative connotation, 执着 often leans toward the positive, suggesting a noble steadfastness or a commendable refusal to give up on one's dreams. However, it is a double-edged sword; in certain contexts, it can imply an unhealthy obsession or an inability to let go of something that is no longer beneficial.

Positive Persistence
When used to describe a professional or an artist, it signifies a 'craftsman spirit' (匠心). It suggests that the person is willing to polish their work for years to achieve perfection. For example, a scientist who spends decades researching a single cure is described as having a 执着的精神 (persistent spirit).
Emotional Attachment
In the realm of relationships, it describes someone who is loyal and unwavering in their affection. While romanticized in many Chinese dramas, it can also be used to warn someone not to be too 'attached' to a lost love, reflecting its Buddhist roots where 'attachment' is a source of suffering.
Obstinate Determination
If someone refuses to change their mind even when they are clearly wrong, a critic might call them 过于执着 (overly persistent/stubborn). Here, it borders on synonyms like 固执 (gùzhí), but with a more intense, internal focus.

他对艺术的追求非常执着，从不因为困难而放弃。 (His pursuit of art is extremely persistent; he never gives up because of difficulties.)

Example of positive professional dedication.

The word is often paired with the preposition 于 (yú) to indicate what one is persistent about. For instance, 执着于细节 means 'obsessed with details' or 'persistent about details.' This structure is very common in formal writing and literary contexts. In everyday conversation, it acts as a simple adjective following 很 (hěn) or 非常 (fēicháng). Understanding this word allows you to describe the deep-seated motivation that drives people to achieve greatness or, conversely, the stubbornness that keeps them trapped in the past.

Using 执着 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as an adjective to describe a person's character, a verb-like state to describe an action, or even a noun representing the concept of persistence itself. Below are the primary patterns you will encounter in both spoken and written Chinese.

Pattern 1: Subject + (很/非常/极度) + 执着
This is the most common way to describe someone's personality. It functions like a standard Chinese adjective.
Example: 我很佩服他那种执着的劲儿。 (I really admire his persistent spirit.)
Pattern 2: 执着于 + [Object/Goal]
This pattern indicates the specific thing a person is focused on. It often implies a level of focus that borders on obsession.
Example: 别太执着于过去的失败。 (Don't be too fixated on past failures.)
Pattern 3: 执着地 + Verb
Here, 执着 acts as an adverbial to describe how an action is performed—with unwavering determination.
Example: 他执着地追求着自己的梦想。 (He persistently pursues his own dream.)

因为他的执着，公司最终渡过了难关。

Using 'persistence' as a noun (Subject/Reason).

In formal settings, you might see it used in four-character idioms or coupled with other high-level vocabulary. For example, 执着追求 (persistent pursuit) is a common collocation in academic and professional biographies. In contrast, in a casual setting, a friend might tell you “你也太执着了吧！” if you keep trying to solve a puzzle or find a specific item in a store, meaning 'You sure are persistent!' or 'You don't know when to quit!'

You will encounter 执着 in a variety of contexts, from high-stakes business environments to the lyrics of popular Mandopop songs. Its versatility makes it a staple of the Chinese language across different media and social strata.

In Pop Culture & Music
Many classic Chinese songs use 执着 to describe undying love. For instance, Xu Wei's famous song titled '执着' is an anthem of perseverance and devotion. In lyrics, it often signifies a romantic hero's refusal to stop loving someone, even if the love is unrequited.
In Business & Sports
Post-game interviews or business profiles frequently use this word. A commentator might say, “正是这种对胜利的执着，让他赢得了比赛。” (It is exactly this persistence for victory that allowed him to win the match.) It is the 'X-factor' attributed to champions.
In Philosophy & Self-Help
Modern self-help books in China often discuss the balance between 执着 (persistence) and 放下 (letting go). You will hear life coaches talk about being 执着 toward your goals but not being 执着 toward the specific outcome or the ego.

“只要你足够执着，全世界都会为你让路。”

A common motivational quote: 'As long as you are persistent enough, the whole world will make way for you.'

In a daily office setting, you might hear a manager praise a team member by saying, “他办事很执着，不解决问题不罢休。” (He is very persistent in his work; he won't stop until the problem is solved.) This highlights the word's association with reliability and a results-oriented mindset. Conversely, in a family setting, a parent might sigh and say their child is 太执着于玩具 (too fixated on toys), indicating a need for the child to learn flexibility.

While 执着 is a powerful word, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning terms. Understanding these subtle differences is crucial for reaching a B2 or C1 level of proficiency.

Confusing 执着 with 固执 (Gùzhí)
Mistake: Using 执着 when you mean someone is being annoying and narrow-minded.
Correction: Use 固执 for negative stubbornness. 执着 usually implies a sense of purpose or passion, whereas 固执 implies a refusal to listen to reason or change for the sake of being right.
Confusing 执着 with 坚持 (Jiānchí)
Mistake: Using 执着 as a simple verb for 'to keep doing something.'
Correction: 坚持 is a verb (e.g., 坚持锻炼 - keep exercising). 执着 is an internal state or quality. You 坚持 an action because you are 执着 about the goal.
The Character 执著 vs 执着
Confusion: Seeing both versions and thinking they are different words.
Fact: 执著 is the original form (often used in Buddhist texts), while 执着 is the standardized modern version in Mainland China. Both are pronounced the same and mean the same thing, but 执着 is more common in modern print.

Another mistake is overusing the word. Because it has a strong emotional and philosophical weight, using it for trivial things (like being 'persistent' about which brand of milk to buy) can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. Reserve 执着 for meaningful pursuits, deep beliefs, or defining character traits.

To truly master Chinese, you need to know when to swap 执着 for a more specific synonym. Here is a comparison of similar words and how they differ in register and nuance.

坚持 (Jiānchí) - To Persist / To Insist
The most common alternative. It focuses on the action of continuing. If 执着 is the fire in your heart, 坚持 is the act of keeping your feet moving.
固执 (Gùzhí) - Stubborn / Obstinate
This is the negative counterpart. It implies a lack of flexibility and a refusal to listen to others. Use this when someone's 'persistence' is actually a flaw.
顽强 (Wánqiáng) - Indomitable / Tenacious
Often used in the context of struggle, such as 顽强的斗志 (indomitable fighting spirit). It suggests strength and resilience in the face of extreme hardship or physical pain.
锲而不舍 (Qiè ér bù shě) - To Chip Away Without Stopping
A high-level Chengyu (idiom) that describes persistence in learning or work. It is more formal and literary than 执着.
WordConnotationBest Context
执着Positive/NeutralDreams, Love, Art
固执NegativeArguments, Bad Habits
坚持Neutral/PositiveExercise, Habits
坚毅Very PositiveMilitary, Leadership

When choosing between these, ask yourself: 'Am I describing a deep internal drive (执着), a refusal to change (固执), or the simple act of not stopping (坚持)?' Selecting the right word will make your Chinese sound more nuanced and native-like.

Fun Fact

Although '执着' is the standard modern spelling in Mainland China, you will still see '执著' in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and in many literary or religious texts. They are functionally identical today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiː dʒwɔː/
US /dʒi dʒwoʊ/
In Mandarin, both syllables are in the second tone (rising). The stress is generally equal, but the second syllable may carry slightly more weight in emotive speech.
Rhymes With
执着 (zhízhuó) 琢磨 (zhuómó) 卓 (zhuó) 灼 (zhuó) 浊 (zhuó) 擢 (zhuó) 酌 (zhuó) 镯 (zhuó)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'zh' as a flat 'z' (like 'z-i').
  • Confusing the second tone (rising) with the first tone (flat) or fourth tone (falling).
  • Pronouncing 'zhuo' as 'zhu' (omitting the 'o' sound).
  • Making the 'zh' sound too much like 'sh'.
  • Failing to curl the tongue back for the retroflex 'zh'.
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Examples by Level

1

他很执着。

He is very persistent.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

2

我不执着。

I am not persistent.

Negative form using 不 (bù).

3

你很执着吗？

Are you very persistent?

Question form using 吗 (ma).

4

他学习很执着。

He is very persistent in his studies.

Topic-comment structure.

5

她对画画很执着。

She is very persistent about painting.

Using 对 (duì) to indicate the object of persistence.

6

执着的人会成功。

Persistent people will succeed.

Using 执着 as an attributive adjective with 的 (de).

7

他太执着了。

He is too persistent.

Using 太...了 (tài...le) for emphasis.

8

这种执着很好。

This kind of persistence is good.

Using 执着 as a noun.

1

虽然很难，但他依然很执着。

Although it is difficult, he is still very persistent.

Using 虽然...但 (suīrán...dàn) structure.

2

我喜欢他那份执着。

I like that persistence of his.

Using 份 (fèn) as a classifier for abstract qualities.

3

他执着地练习钢琴。

He persistently practices the piano.

Using 地 (de) to form an adverb.

4

不要对小事太执着。

Don't be too persistent about small things.

Using 不要 (búyào) for advice/command.

5

他的成功来自他的执着。

His success comes from his persistence.

Using 来自 (láizì) to indicate origin.

6

每个人都有自己的执着。

Everyone has their own persistence/fixation.

Using 自己的 (zìjǐ de) for possession.

7

你为什么这么执着？

Why are you so persistent?

Using 为什么 (wèishéme) for inquiry.

8

执着是他的特点。

Persistence is his characteristic.

Subject-predicate structure.

1

他执着于找回那本丢失的书。

He is persistent about finding that lost book.

Using 执着于 (zhízhuó yú) + Object.

2

这种执着的精神值得我们学习。

This kind of persistent spirit is worth learning from.

Using 值得 (zhídé) to mean 'worth doing.'

3

他一直执着地追求着他的理想。

He has been persistently pursuing his ideals.

Using 一直 (yīzhí) to indicate continuity.

4

如果不是因为执着，他早就放弃了。

If it weren't for persistence, he would have given up long ago.

Conditional structure using 如果...早就.

5

他在工作上表现得非常执着。

He performs very persistently in his work.

Using 表现得 (biǎoxiàn de) + Adverbial.

6

这种执着有时会变成一种负担。

This kind of persistence sometimes becomes a burden.

Using 变成 (biànchéng) to indicate change.

7

她对艺术有一种近乎疯狂的执着。

She has an almost crazy persistence toward art.

Using 近乎 (jìnhū) to mean 'bordering on.'

8

面对挫折，他依然保持着那份执着。

Facing setbacks, he still maintains that persistence.

Using 依然 (yīrán) for 'still/as before.'

1

他的成功并非偶然，而是源于长期的执着。

His success is not accidental, but stems from long-term persistence.

Using 并非...而是... (not... but...).

2

过于执着于过去，会让你无法前行。

Being too fixated on the past will make you unable to move forward.

Gerund-like use of the phrase as a subject.

3

他那份执着追求完美的态度令人敬佩。

His attitude of persistently pursuing perfection is admirable.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

4

在科学研究中，执着是必不可少的品质。

In scientific research, persistence is an indispensable quality.

Using 必不可少 (bì bù kě shǎo) idiom.

5

他执着地守护着这片土地的宁静。

He persistently guards the tranquility of this land.

Adverbial usage in a poetic context.

6

由于他对真理的执着，他得罪了很多人。

Because of his persistence for the truth, he offended many people.

Using 由于 (yóuyú) for cause and effect.

7

我们要学会在执着与放弃之间寻找平衡。

We must learn to find a balance between persistence and letting go.

Using 之间 (zhījiān) for 'between.'

8

这种执着在某些人看来是固执。

This persistence is seen as stubbornness by some people.

Using 在...看来 (in someone's view).

1

艺术家的执着往往源于对生命本质的深刻理解。

An artist's persistence often stems from a profound understanding of the essence of life.

High-level vocabulary like 本质 (essence) and 深刻 (profound).

2

他终其一生都在执着地寻找那个答案。

He spent his entire life persistently searching for that answer.

Using 终其一生 (all one's life) idiom.

3

这种对细节的执着近乎一种强迫症。

This persistence regarding details is almost like OCD.

Using 强迫症 (OCD) in a metaphorical sense.

4

在文学作品中，执着常被表现为一种悲剧性的力量。

In literary works, persistence is often portrayed as a tragic force.

Passive voice using 被 (bèi).

5

他这种不达目的誓不罢休的执着令人心生畏惧。

His persistence of 'not stopping until the goal is reached' inspires fear.

Using an eight-character idiom phrase as a modifier.

6

我们不应执着于表象，而应探寻事物的内在规律。

We should not be fixated on appearances, but explore the internal laws of things.

Using 不应...而应... (should not... but should...).

7

这种执着超越了世俗的成败观念。

This persistence transcends secular concepts of success and failure.

Using 超越 (transcend) and 世俗 (secular).

8

他那份执着，其实是对过去的一种缅怀。

That persistence of his is actually a way of remembering the past.

Using 缅怀 (cherish the memory of).

1

其文辞之精妙，足见作者对文字锤炼之执着。

The subtlety of the prose shows the author's persistence in refining the language.

Classical Chinese influence (之, 足见).

2

执着于一念，往往是痛苦的根源，也是伟大的起点。

Being fixated on a single thought is often the root of pain, as well as the starting point of greatness.

Philosophical parallel structure.

3

他在学术上的执着近乎一种宗教式的虔诚。

His persistence in academia is akin to a religious-like piety.

Using 虔诚 (piety/devotion).

4

历史的车轮滚滚向前，唯有那些执着者留下了痕迹。

The wheels of history roll forward; only those persistent ones leave a mark.

Metaphorical and grand register.

5

这种执着并非是对权力的渴望，而是对理想的殉道。

This persistence is not a thirst for power, but a martyrdom for an ideal.

Using 殉道 (martyrdom).

6

他以一种近乎偏执的执着，挑战着人类认知的极限。

With an almost paranoid persistence, he challenges the limits of human cognition.

Using 偏执 (paranoid/bigoted) to modify persistence.

7

倘若没有这份执着，文明的薪火又如何传承？

If it were not for this persistence, how would the fire of civilization be passed on?

Rhetorical question with 倘若 (if) and 薪火 (firewood/heritage).

8

他的执着，在一片质疑声中显得尤为孤绝。

His persistence appeared particularly solitary and absolute amidst the voices of doubt.

Using 孤绝 (solitary and absolute).

Common Collocations

执着的追求
执着于梦想
非常执着
执着地等待
一份执着
近乎执着
执着精神
过于执着
执着信念
执着探索

Common Phrases

执着追求

— To pursue something with unwavering determination. Often used in professional or artistic contexts.

执着追求卓越。

执着一生

— To be persistent or devoted for an entire lifetime. Often used for great masters or lovers.

他执着一生，只为修好这一件文物。

执着于细节

— To be fixated on or dedicated to small details. Can be a compliment for quality or a critique of perfectionism.

这个设计师非常执着于细节。

不懈执着

— Untiring persistence. A redundant but emphatic way to describe extreme dedication.

凭借不懈执着，他走到了最后。

执着守候

— To wait or guard persistently. Often used in romantic or loyal contexts.

他在雨中执着守候。

执着梦想

— To hold onto a dream. A very common motivational phrase.

执着梦想，扬帆起航。

盲目执着

— Blind persistence. To persist in something without seeing the reality or consequences.

盲目执着有时会带来灾难。

执着精神

— The spirit of persistence. Used to describe the abstract quality of a person or group.

这种执着精神令人感动。

执着于过去

— To be stuck in or fixated on the past. Usually negative advice.

不要执着于过去，要看向未来。

极度执着

— Extremely persistent. Used for emphasis.

他对这个问题的答案极度执着。

Idioms & Expressions

"锲而不舍"

— To keep carving and not give up. It describes the spirit of persistence in any long-term endeavor.

学习汉语需要锲而不舍的精神。

Formal
"持之以恒"

— To persevere in doing something. Focuses on the duration and consistency of the effort.

只有持之以恒，才能取得成功。

Neutral/Formal
"坚韧不拔"

— Firm and indomitable. Describes a character that cannot be shaken or uprooted.

他有着坚韧不拔的意志。

Formal
"始终如一"

— Consistent from beginning to end. Often used for loyalty or quality.

他对工作的态度始终如一。

Formal
"死心塌地"

— To be fully committed with no possibility of changing one's mind. Can be negative (blindly loyal).

他死心塌地地跟着那位老板。

Informal/Neutral
"百折不挠"

— To not yield despite a hundred setbacks. Very high praise for resilience.

革命先烈们具有百折不挠的精神。

Formal/Literary
"精诚所至，金石为开"

— Complete sincerity can move even metal and stone. If you are persistent enough, any obstacle can be overcome.

精诚所至，金石为开，他终于感动了她。

Literary
"铁杵磨成针"

— To grind an iron bar into a needle. A metaphor for achieving the impossible through extreme persistence.

只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针。

Proverb
"水滴石穿"

— Constant dripping wears away the stone. Small but persistent efforts lead to big results.

水滴石穿，成功的关键在于积累。

Literary
"一往无前"

— To press forward with indomitable will. Describes a brave and persistent advance.

我们要一往无前地追求理想。

Formal/Literary

Word Family

Nouns

执念 (zhíniàn) - Obsession/fixation
执着心 (zhízhuó xīn) - Persistent heart/mindset

Verbs

执着 (zhízhuó) - To be persistent (functions as a stative verb)

Adjectives

执着的 (zhízhuó de) - Persistent
过分执着的 (guòfèn zhízhuó de) - Overly persistent

Related

坚持
固执
毅力
追求
梦想
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a hand (执 - to hold) grabbing onto a target (着 - focus). You are 'holding onto' your goal and won't let go, no matter what.

Visual Association

Picture a small plant growing through a crack in a concrete sidewalk. That plant is '执着'—it refuses to stop growing despite the hard environment.

Word Web

Persistence Dedication Dreams Obstinacy Focus Heart Buddhist roots Succes

Word Origin

The term originates from Buddhist sutras, where it was originally written as '执著'. It refers to 'upādāna' or attachment to the worldly realm, which prevents enlightenment. Over centuries, the meaning evolved from a religious warning against attachment to a secular praise for perseverance.

Original meaning: To hold (执) and to attach (著/着). In Buddhism, it meant being unable to let go of desires or false perceptions.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

持続的な Japanese
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