前进

qiánjìn

to go forward

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"前进" (qiánjìn) literally means "to move forward" or "advance." It is commonly used both in physical contexts, such as marching or moving ahead, and metaphorical contexts, like progress or development.

Common Contexts

  • Physical movement: soldiers or people moving forward.
  • Progress in work, technology, or society.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 不断前进 (bùduàn qiánjìn): keep moving forward continuously, emphasizing persistence.
  • 前进 (xiàng qiánjìn): move forward toward a direction.
  • 推动前进 (tuīdòng qiánjìn): to push or drive forward, often used metaphorically.

Usage Notes

"前进" is more formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese. It contrasts with "" (zǒu, to walk) or "走向" (zǒuxiàng, to head toward) by emphasizing purposeful forward movement or progress. Avoid using "前进" for casual walking; it implies deliberate advancement or progress.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "前进" with "前面" (qiánmiàn, in front) which indicates location rather than movement. "前进" always involves the action of moving forward.

Example Sentences

我们必须不断前进,才能实现目标。

Wǒmen bìxū bùduàn qiánjìn, cáinéng shíxiàn mùbiāo.

We must keep moving forward to achieve our goals.

士兵们整齐地向前进。

Shìbīngmen zhěngqí de xiàng qiánjìn.

The soldiers marched forward in formation.

科技的发展推动社会前进。

Kējì de fāzhǎn tuīdòng shèhuì qiánjìn.

The development of technology drives society forward.