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March 24, 2026
拼命pīnmìng(pin1ming4)
拼命 (pīn mìng) means to exert oneself to the fullest extent, often in a challenging or desperate situation. It conveys a sense of urgency and intensity, as if one's life depends on the outcome. This term is commonly used to describe efforts in work, study, or competition where one puts in maximum effort.
Frequency#4117DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 拼命 reflects the cultural emphasis on hard work and perseverance, often seen in education and business practices. The idea of sacrificing personal well-being for success is prevalent, especially in competitive environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person拼 (pīn) with their命 (mìng) on the line, like a superhero pushing through a tough battle. The拼 (pīn) part looks like two people joining forces, while命 (mìng) reminds you of the importance of life and survival, emphasizing the intensity of the effort.
Meanings of 拼命
pīnmìng(pin1ming4)
1to do one's utmost
2with all one's might
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About 拼命
拼命Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#4117Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 拼命
Podcast: 拼命
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AI Study Notes for 拼命
Quick Contrast
拼命 (pīnmìng) vs 努力 (nǔlì) — use 拼命 when emphasizing a desperate or urgent effort, while 努力 denotes diligent effort without the same level of intensity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person拼 (pīn) with their命 (mìng) on the line, like a superhero pushing through a tough battle. The拼 (pīn) part looks like two people joining forces, while命 (mìng) reminds you of the importance of life and survival, emphasizing the intensity of the effort.
Usage Notes
拼命 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about its intensity; it can imply desperation. Common collocations include 拼命工作 (work hard) and 拼命学习 (study hard). Avoid using it in situations where a lighter tone is appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 拼命 connects well with other advanced verbs that convey effort or struggle. Focus on understanding its nuances and using it in contexts that reflect urgency or necessity, similar to words like 努力 (nǔ lì) meaning 'to strive'.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 拼命 reflects the cultural emphasis on hard work and perseverance, often seen in education and business practices. The idea of sacrificing personal well-being for success is prevalent, especially in competitive environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拼命 with the softer 努力, using it in contexts where a less intense expression is more appropriate. For example, saying '我拼命学习' (I study with all my might) may sound too extreme for a regular study session; instead, use '我努力学习' (I study hard).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拼命
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Grammar Patterns of 拼命
拼命 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.
He grew up poor. He got through school entirely on scholarships. After starting work, he saved money desperately. Now he has finally bought his own house.
Example Sentences for 拼命 (10)
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1
她说这孩子一直在拼命存钱。
tā shuō zhè hái zǐ yī zhí zài pīn mìng cún qián。
She says the kid's been squirrelling money away like there's no tomorrow.
2
他拼命地闪身躲开一辆试图撞倒他的疾驰的汽车。
tā pīn mìng dì shǎn shēn duǒ kāi yī liàng shì tú zhuàng dǎo tā de jí chí de qì chē。
He desperately dodged a speeding car trying to run him down.
Scores of people tried desperately to gatecrash the party.
Cultural Notes for 拼命
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 拼命 reflects the cultural emphasis on hard work and perseverance, often seen in education and business practices. The idea of sacrificing personal well-being for success is prevalent, especially in competitive environments.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the idea of working extremely hard is often balanced with the importance of work-life balance, whereas in Chinese culture,拼命 can sometimes suggest a more extreme commitment to work at the expense of personal health.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拼命
Yes, but be mindful of the context; it may come off as overly intense for casual situations.
No, it can describe any effort, including mental or emotional efforts, such as studying or working.
Yes, 努力 (nǔ lì) is a softer synonym meaning 'to strive,' while 拼命 emphasizes a more extreme effort.
