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志气 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
志气zhìqìambitionHSK 7, n, rank #28960, Very Hard
志气zhìqìresolveHSK 7, n, rank #28960, Very Hard
志气zhìqìbackboneHSK 7, n, rank #28960, Very Hard
志气zhìqìdriveHSK 7, n, rank #28960, Very Hard
志气zhìqìspiritHSK 7, n, rank #28960, Very Hard
zhìqì(zhi4qi4) T4
  1. 1ambition
  2. 2resolve
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
志气(志氣)zhìqì(zhi4qi4)

志气 (zhìqì) refers to a person's ambition, resolve, or strong will to achieve their goals. It embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination, often used in contexts where someone's aspirations and determination are highlighted, especially in relation to personal or professional pursuits.

Frequency#28960DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, having 志气 is highly valued, often associated with historical figures who exhibited strong willpower and determination, such as Confucius. It reflects a cultural emphasis on perseverance in the face of challenges.

Memory Tip

Think of 志 (zhì) as a 'will' with the radical for 'heart' (心) indicating passion, and 气 (qì) as 'energy' or 'air.' Imagine a balloon filled with air representing your ambitions; if it has enough气, it will soar high. Together, 志气 symbolizes the driving force behind your aspirations.

Meanings of 志气

zhìqì(zhi4qi4)
1ambition
2resolve
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 志气

志气Simplified
志氣Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#28960Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 志气

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Podcast: 志气

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AI Study Notes for 志气

Quick Contrast

志向 (zhìxiàng) vs 志愿 (zhìyuàn) — use 志气 for emphasis on willpower and determination, while 志向 focuses more on the direction or goals one aims for; 志愿 refers to voluntary wishes or aspirations.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 志 (zhì) as a 'will' with the radical for 'heart' (心) indicating passion, and 气 (qì) as 'energy' or 'air.' Imagine a balloon filled with air representing your ambitions; if it has enough气, it will soar high. Together, 志气 symbolizes the driving force behind your aspirations.

Usage Notes

志气 is generally used in a positive context to praise someone's determination. Common collocations include 志气高 (high ambition) and 有志气 (to have spirit). Be cautious with tones; mispronouncing 志气 can change its meaning completely.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 志气 connects to other advanced vocabulary about personal qualities and aspirations. Students should focus on using it in sentences that express goals or character descriptions to enhance their fluency and comprehension.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, having 志气 is highly valued, often associated with historical figures who exhibited strong willpower and determination, such as Confucius. It reflects a cultural emphasis on perseverance in the face of challenges.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 志气 with similar terms like 魄力 or 目标 (goal). For example, saying '他的志气是成为医生' is incorrect; it should be '他的志气是做一个成功的医生' to accurately convey the ambition.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 志气

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Component Characters

zhìaspiration
HSK 57 strokes
View full entry
gas
HSK 44 strokes
View full entry

Write 志气

Practice writing 志气 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 志气

志气 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 5 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

他们虽穷却很有____.

They are ambitious although they are poor.

Example Sentences for 志气 (1)

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1
他们虽穷却很有志气.

tā mén suī qióng què hěn yǒu zhì qì.

They are ambitious although they are poor.
Exercise 1 of 1

Reorder the Sentence

They are ambitious although they are poor.

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Cultural Notes for 志气

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, having 志气 is highly valued, often associated with historical figures who exhibited strong willpower and determination, such as Confucius. It reflects a cultural emphasis on perseverance in the face of challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions about 志气

志气 emphasizes ambition and resolve, while 魄力 refers to boldness or decisiveness in action.