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March 24, 2026
持续(持續)chíxù(chi2xu4)
持续 (chí xù) means to continue or persist over a period of time. It is commonly used in contexts such as ongoing actions, sustainable practices, or the maintenance of certain conditions. The nuance often implies a sense of endurance and stability.
Frequency#2614DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of sustainability (持续) is increasingly emphasized, especially in discussions regarding environmental preservation and long-term development strategies. This reflects a growing awareness of ecological issues in modern China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'chi' (sounds like 'cheese') that keeps 'xu' (sounds like 'shoe') on for a long walk. The cheese represents something enjoyable that you want to continue, while the shoe symbolizes the endurance needed to keep going. Together, they remind you of the idea of continuity.
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AI Study Notes for 持续
Quick Contrast
持续 (chíxù) vs 继续 (jìxù): 选择持续强调动作的稳定性和持久性，而继续则更侧重于动作的延续性。
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'chi' (sounds like 'cheese') that keeps 'xu' (sounds like 'shoe') on for a long walk. The cheese represents something enjoyable that you want to continue, while the shoe symbolizes the endurance needed to keep going. Together, they remind you of the idea of continuity.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 持续 with other similar words like 继续 (jì xù), which means 'to continue' but can imply a more casual continuation. 持续 is often used in more formal contexts, especially in discussions about sustainability and ongoing efforts. Remember to use the correct tones: 持 (2nd tone) and 续 (4th tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 持续 connects well with other vocabulary related to progress and action. Students should focus on using it in sentences about ongoing activities and try to practice with phrases related to sustainability to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of sustainability (持续) is increasingly emphasized, especially in discussions regarding environmental preservation and long-term development strategies. This reflects a growing awareness of ecological issues in modern China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 持续 with 继续, incorrectly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我们要继续这个项目' (We should continue this project) is acceptable, but using '我们要持续这个项目' would sound unnatural in this context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 持续
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Grammar Patterns of 持续
持续 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The length of the war is one of the biggest unknowns.
Cultural Notes for 持续
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of sustainability (持续) is increasingly emphasized, especially in discussions regarding environmental preservation and long-term development strategies. This reflects a growing awareness of ecological issues in modern China.
Frequently Asked Questions about 持续
Yes, 持续 can describe both ongoing actions and states, such as持续发展 (sustainable development).
While it often has a positive connotation related to sustainability, it can also describe negative situations that persist, like 持续的压力 (ongoing pressure).
持续 emphasizes the notion of enduring or lasting over time, while 继续 simply means to continue without the same emphasis on duration.
