striving to be first and fearing to be last (idiom); outdoing one another
HSK 7, i, rank #31693, Very Hard
zhēngxiānkǒnghòu(zheng1xian1kong3hou4) T1
1striving to be first and fearing to be last (idiom); outdoing one another
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March 24, 2026
争先恐后(爭先恐後)zhēngxiānkǒnghòu(zheng1xian1kong3hou4)
The idiom 争先恐后 (zhēngxiān kǒnghòu) conveys the idea of individuals competing fiercely to be the first, while simultaneously fearing to be left behind. It is often used to describe situations where people are vying for an advantage or recognition, such as in competitive environments like work or academics.
Frequency#31693DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on achievement and competition, particularly in education and the workplace. This idiom reflects the societal pressure to excel and not be outdone by peers, which can lead to a high-stress environment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race where everyone is sprinting ahead (争先) while glancing back anxiously (恐后) to see if someone is catching up. The characters can be visualized as runners at the starting line, eager to grab the first position and terrified of being the last.
Meanings of 争先恐后
zhēngxiānkǒnghòu(zheng1xian1kong3hou4)
1striving to be first and fearing to be last (idiom); outdoing one another
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 争先恐后
争先恐后Simplified
爭先恐後Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#31693Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 争先恐后
Podcast: 争先恐后
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AI Study Notes for 争先恐后
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a race where everyone is sprinting ahead (争先) while glancing back anxiously (恐后) to see if someone is catching up. The characters can be visualized as runners at the starting line, eager to grab the first position and terrified of being the last.
Usage Notes
This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in competitive discussions. A common mistake is using it in a non-competitive setting; ensure it reflects a context of rivalry. Be cautious of the tones, as mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 idiom, it connects well with other expressions of competition and striving, such as 努力 (nǔlì, to strive) and 竞争 (jìngzhēng, competition). Focus on understanding its nuances in competitive contexts and practice using it in sentences related to rivalry.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on achievement and competition, particularly in education and the workplace. This idiom reflects the societal pressure to excel and not be outdone by peers, which can lead to a high-stress environment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it incorrectly in contexts that do not involve competition, such as describing teamwork. For example, saying '我们争先恐后完成任务' (Wǒmen zhēngxiān kǒnghòu wánchéng rènwù) is incorrect; a better choice would be '我们合作完成任务' (Wǒmen hézuò wánchéng rènwù, 'We cooperated to complete the task').
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 争先恐后
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Grammar Patterns of 争先恐后
争先恐后 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
人群____地奔逃，很多人被压伤或踩踏。
The crowd stampeded and many were crushed or trampled underfoot.
The crowd stampeded and many were crushed or trampled underfoot.
Cultural Notes for 争先恐后
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on achievement and competition, particularly in education and the workplace. This idiom reflects the societal pressure to excel and not be outdone by peers, which can lead to a high-stress environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about 争先恐后
Yes, it can be used positively to encourage healthy competition, but be mindful of the competitive pressure it implies.
It is more common in written language or formal discussions about competition rather than casual conversation.
You might also consider phrases like 争抢 (zhēngqiǎng, to scramble for) or 争夺 (zhēngduó, to compete for) as similar expressions.
