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March 24, 2026
力争(力爭)lìzhēng(li4zheng1)
The term 力争 (li4 zheng1) means to strive for something with great effort or to contend strongly for a goal. It's often used in contexts where individuals or groups are making considerable efforts to achieve objectives, such as in academic, professional, or competitive environments.
Frequency#26598DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 力争 reflects the value placed on hard work and perseverance, often seen in academic and professional pursuits. The phrase is frequently used in motivational contexts, especially during examination seasons or in competitive business environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person using all their strength (力) to strive (争) for a trophy. The character 力 suggests physical power, while 争 brings to mind the idea of contention or competition. Visualizing someone straining to reach that trophy can help solidify both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 力争
lìzhēng(li4zheng1)
1to work hard for
2to do all one can
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About 力争
力争Simplified
力爭Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#26598Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 力争
Podcast: 力争
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AI Study Notes for 力争
Quick Contrast
争取 (zhēngqǔ) vs 力争 (lìzhēng): Use 力争 when emphasizing strong effort or contention, while 争取 is more general and can imply seeking or trying to obtain something without the same intensity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person using all their strength (力) to strive (争) for a trophy. The character 力 suggests physical power, while 争 brings to mind the idea of contention or competition. Visualizing someone straining to reach that trophy can help solidify both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in formal contexts, mainly in discussions about goals, ambitions, or competitions. Be cautious with the tones; 力 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone), while 争 has a high, level tone (1st tone). It’s common to see it paired with verbs like 'to achieve' (取得) or 'to win' (赢得).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 力争 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to ambition and effort. Focus on using it in sentences that express determination or competitive spirit, which is common in HSK 6 passages and dialogues.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 力争 reflects the value placed on hard work and perseverance, often seen in academic and professional pursuits. The phrase is frequently used in motivational contexts, especially during examination seasons or in competitive business environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 力争 with similar words like 争取 (zheng1 qu3), which also means to strive for but with a slightly different nuance. For example, saying '我力争成功' (wǒ lìzhēng chénggōng) is correct, but saying '我争取成功' (wǒ zhēngqǔ chénggōng) might be more appropriate in some contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 力争
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Grammar Patterns of 力争
力争 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
They are working on all cylinders to get the job finished.
5
德国正在努力争取直飞航班的开通。
dé guó zhèng zài nǔ lì zhēng qǔ zhí fēi háng bān de kāi tōng。
Germany is pushing for direct flights to be established.
Cultural Notes for 力争
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 力争 reflects the value placed on hard work and perseverance, often seen in academic and professional pursuits. The phrase is frequently used in motivational contexts, especially during examination seasons or in competitive business environments.
Frequently Asked Questions about 力争
While it's primarily used in formal contexts, you can use it in informal conversations when discussing personal goals, but be mindful of the context.
No, it can also refer to collective efforts, such as a team striving to win a competition or an organization aiming for a particular achievement.
