Meaning and Usage
"锲而不舍" is an idiom that describes the quality of persistent effort without giving up. It literally means "to chisel away and not abandon," evoking the image of carving stone bit by bit until the work is done. This phrase is often used to praise someone's perseverance in learning, work, or any challenging task.
Common Collocations
- 锲而不舍地努力 (to work persistently without giving up)
- 锲而不舍的精神 (the spirit of perseverance)
- 锲而不舍地追求 (to pursue persistently)
These collocations emphasize continuous effort and determination.
Usage Notes
This idiom is formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese to encourage or commend perseverance. It is not casual slang. Avoid confusing it with similar phrases that imply giving up or hesitation. When using it, the focus is on steady, unrelenting effort over time.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 锲而不舍 with phrases that mean "to give up" or "to hesitate." 锲而不舍 always implies positive persistence. It is often paired with verbs like 努力 (to strive), 学习 (to study), or 追求 (to pursue) to highlight continuous action.