Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
奋斗(奮鬥)fèndòu(fen4dou4)
奋斗 (fèn dòu) means to strive or struggle towards a goal, often in the context of hard work and perseverance. It is commonly used to describe efforts in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting determination and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Strokes12Frequency#5191DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 奋斗 is deeply embedded in the values of hard work and perseverance, often reflected in phrases like '为理想奋斗' (strive for ideals), which resonates with the collective drive toward success and development.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person climbing a steep mountain (the character 奋, which has the radical for 'strength' 力) while carrying a heavy backpack (the character 斗, which can represent the effort or struggle). This imagery represents the effort it takes to reach the peak, connecting the idea of striving and the pronunciation 'fèn dòu'.
Meanings of 奋斗
fèndòu(fen4dou4)
1to strive
2to struggle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 奋斗
奋斗Simplified
奮鬥Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5191Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 奋斗
Podcast: 奋斗
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 奋斗
Quick Contrast
奋斗 (fèndòu) vs 努力 (nǔlì) — use 奋斗 when emphasizing struggle towards a significant goal, while 努力 focuses more on the act of putting in effort.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person climbing a steep mountain (the character 奋, which has the radical for 'strength' 力) while carrying a heavy backpack (the character 斗, which can represent the effort or struggle). This imagery represents the effort it takes to reach the peak, connecting the idea of striving and the pronunciation 'fèn dòu'.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 奋斗 is often used in a motivational or aspirational context, so it may not be suitable for casual or everyday conversation. It commonly collocates with words like 目标 (mùbiāo, goal) and 理想 (lǐxiǎng, ideal). A common mistake is using it in a passive voice, but it should always convey active effort.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 奋斗 connects with other words that express effort and aspiration. Focus on using it in sentences that describe your personal goals or challenges to reinforce its meaning and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 奋斗 is deeply embedded in the values of hard work and perseverance, often reflected in phrases like '为理想奋斗' (strive for ideals), which resonates with the collective drive toward success and development.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 奋斗 with other similar verbs like 努力 (nǔlì, to work hard) and may use them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我努力了' (I worked hard) instead of '我奋斗了' (I strived) can dilute the intensity of the effort described.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奋斗
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 奋斗 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 奋斗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 奋斗
奋斗 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The foundation of success is hard work, and the goal of hard work is success; therefore, only those who strive continuously have the chance to walk the road to success.
Example Sentences for 奋斗 (28)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
不少穷人和新富起来的人都把他看成是个人奋斗的典范.
bù shǎo qióng rén hé xīn fù qǐ lái de rén dū bǎ tā kàn chéng shì gè rén fèn dǒu de diǎn fàn.
He was idealized as an individualist by many poor or newly rich.
2
为了实现梦想，他每天都在努力奋斗。
Wèile shíxiàn mèngxiǎng, tā měitiān dōu zài nǔlì fèndòu.
In order to achieve his dreams, he strives hard every day.
3
她的成功离不开多年的奋斗和坚持。
Tā de chénggōng lí bù kāi duōnián de fèndòu hé jiānchí.
Her success cannot be separated from years of striving and persistence.
4
我们应该为更美好的未来而奋斗。
Wǒmen yīnggāi wèi gèng měihǎo de wèilái ér fèndòu.
We should strive for a better future.
5
他在工作中不断奋斗，终于得到了升职的机会。
Tā zài gōngzuò zhōng bùduàn fèndòu, zhōngyú dédào le shēngzhí de jīhuì.
He continually strives at work and finally got the opportunity for a promotion.
6
面对艰难的挑战，他选择继续奋斗，而不是放弃。
Miànduì jiānnán de tiǎozhàn, tā xuǎnzé jìxù fèndòu, ér bùshì fàngqì.
Faced with difficult challenges, he chose to keep striving instead of giving up.
Young people should be full of ideals and strive for them to create a better future.
Cultural Notes for 奋斗
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 奋斗 is deeply embedded in the values of hard work and perseverance, often reflected in phrases like '为理想奋斗' (strive for ideals), which resonates with the collective drive toward success and development.
Frequently Asked Questions about 奋斗
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in motivational speeches or discussions about personal growth.
Common phrases include '努力奋斗' (nǔlì fèndòu, strive hard) or '为梦想奋斗' (wèi mèngxiǎng fèndòu, strive for dreams).
It is generally a positive term, reflecting ambition and determination, though it can imply hardship.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 奋斗?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
