Meaning and Usage
"起劲" describes doing something with enthusiasm, energy, or great effort. It often conveys a positive attitude toward work, study, or discussion.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe people who are actively and energetically engaged in an activity, such as studying, working, or debating.
Collocations
- 起劲学习 (study enthusiastically): used when someone is very motivated to learn.
- 起劲干活 (work energetically): describes working with vigor and high efficiency.
- 起劲讨论 (discuss passionately): used when people are actively debating or exchanging ideas.
Nuances
Using 起劲 implies a noticeable increase in effort or enthusiasm compared to a neutral or passive state. It is informal and common in spoken Chinese.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 起劲 with 起劲儿 (qǐjìnr), which is a regional variant but less formal. Also, 起劲 focuses on the intensity of effort, not just the start of an action.