to chip away at a task and not abandon it (idiom); to chisel away at sth
HSK 7, i, rank #40909, Very Hard
锲而不舍
qiè’érbùshě
to persevere
HSK 7, i, rank #40909, Very Hard
锲而不舍
qiè’érbùshě
unflagging efforts
HSK 7, i, rank #40909, Very Hard
qiè’érbùshě(qie4er2bu4she3) T4
1to chip away at a task and not abandon it (idiom); to chisel away at sth
2to persevere
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March 24, 2026
锲而不舍(鍥而不捨)qiè’érbùshě(qie4er2bu4she3)
The idiom 锲而不舍 (qie4 er2 bu4 she3) expresses the idea of persistent effort and determination in completing a task. It suggests that one should continue to work diligently and not give up, likening the process to chiseling away at a stone until the desired shape is achieved. This phrase is commonly used in contexts emphasizing perseverance and dedication.
Frequency#40909DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value of perseverance and hard work, which is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings. The emphasis on diligence and the importance of not giving up can be seen in many traditional Chinese narratives and teachings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble, focused and unwavering, creating a masterpiece. The first character '锲' resembles a chisel, while '不舍' suggests not letting go or abandoning the work. Visualize the sculptor saying, 'I will keep chipping away until I finish!'
Meanings of 锲而不舍
qiè’érbùshě(qie4er2bu4she3)
1to chip away at a task and not abandon it (idiom); to chisel away at sth
2to persevere
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About 锲而不舍
锲而不舍Simplified
鍥而不捨Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#40909Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 锲而不舍
Podcast: 锲而不舍
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AI Study Notes for 锲而不舍
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble, focused and unwavering, creating a masterpiece. The first character '锲' resembles a chisel, while '不舍' suggests not letting go or abandoning the work. Visualize the sculptor saying, 'I will keep chipping away until I finish!'
Usage Notes
When using this idiom, it is important to maintain the correct tone, as it is often used in formal contexts. Common mistakes include using it in a casual setting, where simpler terms might be more appropriate. Be mindful of collocations like '努力' (nuli, to strive) and '坚持' (jianchi, to persist) that often accompany this idiom.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 idiom, 锲而不舍 is great for learners to understand idiomatic expressions and develop their language fluency. Students should focus on recognizing similar idioms and phrases that convey perseverance, enhancing their ability to express determination effectively in conversation.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value of perseverance and hard work, which is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings. The emphasis on diligence and the importance of not giving up can be seen in many traditional Chinese narratives and teachings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the order of the characters and say '不舍而锲,' which is incorrect. The correct order should always be '锲而不舍' to maintain its meaning of 'to chip away at something and not give up.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锲而不舍
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Cultural Notes for 锲而不舍
🏮Cultural insight
This idiom reflects the Chinese cultural value of perseverance and hard work, which is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings. The emphasis on diligence and the importance of not giving up can be seen in many traditional Chinese narratives and teachings.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of perseverance is also valued, but it is often framed within the context of individualism and self-fulfillment, whereas in Chinese culture, it is closely tied to collective responsibility and honor.
Frequently Asked Questions about 锲而不舍
Yes, but it's more suitable for formal discussions or written contexts where emphasis on dedication is needed.
You can use it to describe someone working hard on a project, studying for exams, or pursuing a long-term goal.
Yes, a common English equivalent is 'to stick with it' or 'persevere until the end'.
