再接再厉

zài jiē zài lì

to continue the struggle (idiom); to persist

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"再接再厉" is a four-character Chinese idiom that literally means "to continue to connect and sharpen". It is used metaphorically to encourage someone to persist in their efforts and keep working hard, especially after an initial attempt or achievement. It conveys a spirit of perseverance and continuous improvement.

Common Contexts

This idiom is often used in motivational speeches, encouragements from teachers or coaches, and in situations where someone is urged to maintain or increase their effort despite challenges or setbacks.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using 再接再厉 implies that the person has already made some effort or progress, and now needs to continue or intensify that effort. It is more formal and literary than simply saying "继续努力" (continue to work hard).

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 再接再厉 with phrases that mean "start over" or "try again"; it emphasizes continuous effort rather than restarting from scratch.

Example Sentences

虽然这次考试成绩不理想,但我们要再接再厉,争取下次考得更好。

Suīrán zhè cì kǎoshì chéngjì bù lǐxiǎng, dàn wǒmen yào zài jiē zài lì,

Although the exam results this time were not ideal, we must persist and

运动员们在比赛中表现出色,教练鼓励他们再接再厉,争取冠军。

Yùndòngyuán men zài bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn chūsè, jiàoliàn gǔlì tāmen zài

The athletes performed excellently in the competition, and the coach

面对困难,我们不能放弃,要再接再厉,才能取得成功。

Miànduì kùnnan, wǒmen bùnéng fàngqì, yào zài jiē zài lì, cáinéng qǔdé

When facing difficulties, we must not give up; we need to persist in order